Liverpool miss out on topping Premier League table at Christmas as Trent Alexander-Arnold spurs key chance in Arsenal draw

Arsenal will spend Christmas at the top of the Premier League table after they drew 1-1 against Liverpool in an enticing encounter.

The Gunners returned to Anfield eight months after they let slip a two-goal lead against the Reds in last season's title race.

Both sides are firmly in contention for the Premier League crown this time round and played out a thrilling draw on Saturday evening.

Just four minutes into the game, Gabriel gave Arsenal the lead when he headed in from Martin Odegaard's free-kick.

Liverpool then had huge shouts for a penalty as Odegaard appeared to handle in the box, but despite a VAR check, nothing was given.

Mohamed Salah hit back for Liverpool though, scoring from the right after an excellent ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Throughout much of the match, both teams looked threatening when going forward as quality lacked in the final third.

And this was clear to see during the second-half as Liverpool wasted a golden opportunity to make it 2-1.

A mix-up at the back from Arsenal allowed Salah to hit the Gunners on the counter-attack and was joined by four of his teammates.

The visitors had just two defenders tracking back and the ball fell to Alexander-Arnold, but his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Liverpool's right-back looked on in disbelief at how he missed the chance to take the lead as Arsenal breathed a sigh of relief.

The draw means Arsenal stay top of the Premier League a day after Aston Villa failed to go above them following their 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.

Liverpool are level on 39 points with Unai Emery's side, but have now overtaken them into second on goal difference and trail Arsenal by one point.

The Gunners were also top of the table last Christmas, but failed to win the league,