Liverpool's next five Premier League matches compared to Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man City

Liverpool were denied the honour of topping the Premier League tree at Christmas when they were held to a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's side flew out of the traps and took the lead after only four minutes - Gabriel Magalhaes heading them in front. Mohamed Salah would claw back the equaliser with a sublime strike before the break and despite an electric second half, the Reds could not break down the visiting side.

The match did not end without controversy or despair either, as Liverpool had been denied a penalty when Martin Odegaard handled the ball in the box while his side were ahead, then Kostas Tsimikas was taken off with a nasty looking shoulder injury.

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It is a result that means Arsenal keep their place as league leaders on Christmas Day - a position that 10 of the last 14 champions of England have been in.

Liverpool then trail in second after not capitalising on the opportunity to move two points clear of their London rivals, and Aston Villa are in third with an inferior goal difference, followed by Tottenham Hotspur in fourth and defending champions Manchester City in fifth.

Looking to push on as they head toward the famous Boxing Day fixtures and the New Year, here are the challenges that Jurgen Klopp's men and their competitors have on the horizon...

Liverpool - 2nd, 39 points, +21 GD

Burnley (A) - Tuesday, December 26

Newcastle United (H) - Monday, January 1

Bournemouth (A) - Sunday, January 21

Chelsea (H) - Wednesday, January 31

Arsenal (A) - Sunday, February 4

Upon the surface it may seem the Premier League has