Reaction: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal

1. Skrtel levels with 97th-minute header
2. Borini sent off for two late bookings
3. Arsenal score first two shots on target

Farewell but follow our European live

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And that brings a bubbling day of live football to a close.

Sunderland won a fourth straight north-east derby with a late goal by Adam Johnson sending Newcastle fans home in bleak Christmas mood.

And late drama at Anfield saw 10-man Liverpool earn a draw against Arsenal who faced more shots than at any time in the last 11 years and had their lowest possession tally in the same period.

Merry Christmas, if you love your footy, fill your boots over the coming days. Remember Match of the Day 2 is on later and there is a tonne of video on our website, not to mention a live European football text.

Arsenal's tough festive spell

Arsenal may well be up to sixth but not many would fancy their three games over the festive period.

Queens Park Rangers - who cannot win away from home - visit the Emirates on Boxing Day but then the Gunners face trips to West Ham and Southampton either side of the New Year.

Tricky. Andy Carroll will have a field day if Per Mertesacker sucks crosses as he did at the death today.

Player reaction

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Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones: "Come the end of the game it's a good point. Scoring late on and getting the equaliser, it's a boost. We dominated for long periods and were disappointed not to be well ahead. In the end the pressure paid off and we come away with a point but I think a fantastic performance.

"We lacked confidence at the start of the season with a lot of new players. Once that confidence comes back then you'll see the confidence and the results."

Player reaction

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini: "It's never easy to come to Anfield and win easily. Today the word is frustration because we did everything right until the last two minutes. But things like that happen in football.

"It's a point we are happy to take but we had the chance to win this game."

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Neil: We need to completely change our defensive process. I don't think it's the players I think it's the system at the back. Arsenal second goal was a carbon copy of the move that Bournemouth failed to convert in the week. I knew a better team would try it.

Jimmy, Plymouth: Was halfway through declaring that although harsh that Rodgers should lose his job on the back of a loss to a good team like Arsenal, that's how it will play out. Then Skrtel happened! Doesn't solve the huge problem for the owners in that their team don't seem to believe they can beat any Premier League opposition, and that their coach will be asking them for another £50m.

David, Warrington: Referee shocking again. Why does no one notice the yellow card-fest that is the last ten minutes of premier league match? Do they have targets to meet?

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Who had impact?

BBC

What now for Arsenal?

Three losses, three wins and a draw in their last seven league games.

Inconsistency has riddled Arsenal this season and they did not look like a side capable of grabbing a run of games by the scruff of the neck on today's showing.

The Gunners looked almost lazy in their approach to building possession but were at least able to compete when not playing well, a feature so often used as a means to praise sides by pundits.

The late show with Martin Skrtel

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There have been five 90th minute or later goals in the last seven Premier League meetings between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.

Today's marked Martin Skrtel's first goal of the season and few could argue with the Slovakian defender's commitment to the cause after a nasty looking head injury earlier in the game.

His header drew a raised fist from Brendan Rodgers and hugs among Liverpool's coaching staff but short of a great run in the coming Christmas period, the Reds look like they will finish way down on what they'd have hoped for in August.

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spintowin: Just waiting for the same old we weren't at the required level physically rubbish from Arsene Wenger.

Alex Burgham: Ironic we end the game with two defenders and one of them scores. Get a new striker in.

Jack: Mertesacker showing no leadership again throughout the game ducking under the ball rather than attacking it. Disgraceful.

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Listen to 606

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A reminder you can listen to BBC Radio 5 live's 606 at the top of this page.

Ian Wright is in studio and just said the thing he hates about Christmas is "sprouts". The former Arsenal striker is dissecting today's 2-2 draw.

Lawrie is currently on the line from Bridlington and says Arsene Wenger's expiry date has long gone.

Manager reaction

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is currently speaking in a news conference and the general message is one of optimism.

He believes his side were very good and deserved more today. Asked if he thinks they can make an impression on the top four he replies before the question is finished: "Absolutely."

He expects to have Daniel Sturridge back after the Christmas period. "That will be really exciting for this team. Put him back in and we will be back to that flow in our game and results hopefully."

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Ste Maguire: Sick of fickle fans wanting their manager/best players out after one poor match. Sort yourselves out.

EPM: All the sad acts calling for Brendan Rogers sacking, rather like West Ham and Allardyce last year.

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Manager reaction

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking to BBC Sport: "There's no doubt we deserved to win the game, our performance level was outstanding. Our performance today was better then when we won here last year 5-1. We had total domination of the first half, and 1-0 was probably about right. But then we gave away a disappointing goal right on half-time, and that can leave you a bit deflated.

"In the second half we continued to press, probe and create, and then all of a sudden we gave away a poor goal. There's no problem with our organisation. It is the decision making that can be our problem, and you cannot make poor decisions if you are going to keep clean sheets. But even down to 10 men we kept penetrating and the goal at the end was the very least we deserved, for the character we showed."

Organisation not our issue - Rodgers

BBC

Reds vital festive period

Liverpool will look at their next three games to drastically improve their league position.

They go to Burnley on Boxing Day and are then visited by Swansea on 29 December and Leicester City on New Year's Day.

All winnable games but with just two victories in nine outings, would you back the Reds against anyone?

Manager reaction

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "It was an outstanding performance, our passing and movement on the pitch, which is terrible, was superb.

"We deserved to be one up at half-time and I don't think it was a free-kick in the build-up to their second. Alexis Sanchez dived for me and the referee bought it, but we have to defend better. We lost three duels and we need to win the first one.

"I'm delighted with our performances this week against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Arsenal, it shows we are getting back to where we are.

"At half-time we asked for more of the same with the same movement and then we showed great character to fight back from 2-1 down with 10 men.

"I don't think before this week we have been close to that level of speed and thought. You have to be creative as a coach to find a system that brings you back to that."

Europa League-bound?

BBC

Manager reaction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Sky Sports: "It was important for us to come back before half time - 1-1 was a good result. Goalscorer Olivier Giroud was quite sick overnight and he became more influential in the second half.

"Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho in the first half caused us problems as did Raheem Sterling. We gave them more problems after the break."

On whether the result was fair: "My first job is to win the games. When you are 2-1 up with minutes to go you want to win, but objectively 2-2 is a fair result."

The Twitter pundits

Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand: Liverpool deserved the draw.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney: That was deserved.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton: Great header that. Liverpool have deserved at least that if not more today.

Keep sending your own views to #bbcfootball.

Manager reaction

Reuters

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on BBC Sport: "It was maybe a fair result, but we are disappointed to give a goal away with a free header from a corner. It was an intense game. We played a little bit with a handbrake in the first half. Liverpool played well. We lost the ball too quickly in the first half - when you are not used to something it was frustrating.

"In the long stoppage time you have to survive two three corners and free-kicks. For their goal, we had plenty of defenders on the pitch. It's disappointing that we didn't even jump. You want everybody to be focused on the corner."

One up on the enemy

Liverpool fans can at least take comfort from the fact a point moves them a place above local rivals Everton into 10th and Arsenal supporters can draw consolation from moving one above north London enemies Tottenham. They sit sixth on goal difference.

It is fair to say neither side would have aspired for these standings in August.

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Ben McBean: I think most LFC and AFC fans would take the draw. We (LFC) dominated but have been garbage this season so far.

Tunde Olore: Put a man on the post and you clear that. These players never learn. Am more frustrated at the way they conceded the goal.

Myztik Allen: Definition of insanity is doing same thing every season and expect different result. #WengerOut

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Player reaction

EPA

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel speaking to Sky Sports: "Obviously it is something different having three defenders at the back. But I thought we did well and moved the ball well and were unlucky not to get three points.

"It was disappointing because after a great performance against Bournemouth, we came into this game with lots of confidence."

On his injury: "It was painful at the time, but I think it is all right now. Injuries are all part of football."

On his goal: "It was a great cross from Adam Lallana. I had missed a header a bit before and I have been waiting for a goal for a long time."

Where did they attack?

Liverpool seemed to target Arsenal's right-hand side throughout the game...

Opta

While the Gunners were more even in targeting their infrequent attacks...

Opta

Player reaction

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana on Sky Sports: "I thought we were the dominant team. We created enough chances to get the win. Great credit to Martin Skrtel and the lads, with 10 men to get that was the least we deserved. We were bitterly disappointed to concede before the break, especially with them getting a goal at a crucial time of the game.

"It was massively important we got something from the game. We can take momentum from that goal into the Christmas period and need to start turning draws and performances into wins."

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

"I think over the course of the 100 minutes that result was right. Arsenal made quite a few chances in the second half and they will feel they were the better team after Liverpool were the better team in the first.

"Arsenal will stress that they have quite a few big names still to come back while Liverpool have only really Daniel Sturridge injured."

Arsenal's tough day

Arsenal's 36% share of possession is also their lowest Premier League figure since statisticians Opta started gathering their data in August 2003.

BBC

Wasteful Liverpool?

BBC

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

That Gym Guy: As an Arsenal fan I would take 2-2. Bear in mind we were getting dominated for most of the game.

Mickey Wallis: Same old same old. Arsenal throwing away a hard graft 3 points from a set piece. So frustrating.

Kurt Booth: A win would've been nice, to be honest it's not a bad result for us at Anfield, but it might be a killer for Brendan Rodgers.

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BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

AP

"Santi Cazorla was as good as any Arsenal player. I think they will be pleased at getting a 2-2 draw but will be disappointed at having thrown away two points. Over the course of the game I think 2-2 is about right and both teams will take it."

FULL-TIME

Phew. Time to catch some breath after that finish.

Just the nine minutes of added time and the man whose injury prompted the extension scored the equaliser at the death.

Martin Skrtel's header will at least perhaps hold off criticism of Brendan Rodgers. His side deserved at least a point.

The game throws up questions again. Do Liverpool need a new striker sharpish? Is Fabio Borini now officially frozen out after his red card? We will try to bring you some answers in the reaction.

Santi Cazorla roams through the Liverpool midfield, the game is shapeless, but his shot from 25 yards is palmed away from Brad Jones. This game is ending in pulsating fashion.

The Kop is roaring every kick. We have one minute to go and if Liverpool snatch this the roof will cave in.

Pinball in midfield and Arsenal launch a final attack.

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

"It was just made for him. As soon as the ball curled in you could see it was going to be him. It was a great header, met with power and well placed into the bottom corner. You just knew after the injury something would happen involving his head."

GOAL

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In comes yet another corner and Martin Skrtel, complete with head bandage, attacks Adam Lallana's delivery to bullet a header home.

They have 10 men but Liverpool could at least take a point. Around 90 seconds remain.

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Arsenal look solid and have the edge of their 18-yard box well defended but Steven Gerrard has a go from range and Wojciech Szczesny has to parry away.

The effort is there from the home side. The killer instinct nowhere to be found.

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Steve, happy City fan: Sobering times this Xmas at Anfield. If Chelsea win tomorrow they will have double Liverpool's points

Ash, Burntwood: The money wasn't well spent in the summer, too many midfielders were bought when that wasn't a problem area. As good a coach as Rodgers is he must take the blame for not securing a world class centre half

Mo, Manchester: I don't understand why Liverpool fans are surprised, every game is just a thought of hope. We are not going to do anything but fluctuate from 7th-11th and the sooner people realise that the better it'll be. And yes I'm a Liverpool fan

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Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst at Anfield for BBC Radio 5 live

"Fabio Borini has gone for the ball there and caught Santi Cazorla, which is right for a booking but it shows you how idiotic the first booking was for throwing the ball away."

We are deep into Michael Thomas time.

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His late goal won Arsenal a title at Anfield. Anything late here would be far less dramatic but could hugely boost the campaign of either side.

Raheem Sterling shoots for injury-time glory but his effort is way over from range.

RED CARD

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Reuters

Fabio Borini hang your head in shame.

Moments after collecting a yellow for slamming the ball into the turf in protest at a throw-in decision he gets a second one for a high kick on Santi Cazorla. Right decision. Off you go.

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

"There is a complete difference to Liverpool when they play with that urgency and push Arsenal back. With Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho running at Arsenal they looked really dangerous."

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Mohammad Rizwan: Dropping Simon Mignolet has back fired big time and Brendan Rogers will probably pay with his job. Brad Jones is rubbish!

Thomas Rimer: Hope if Rodgers gets sacked, Liverpool doesn't make the mistake of hiring Andre Villas-Boas. Third time in England will not be the charm.

Ian Rogers: It's amazing how many would-be managers there are in the world when a team is not doing well.

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NINE MINUTES ADDED

Fabio Borini has tried since coming on and his passion boils over as he is booked for dissent.

Arsenal introduce Joel Campbell for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to slow the clock and we tick into nine minutes of stoppage time following Martin Skrtel's injury earlier.

Yes... nine minutes.

That horrible feeling

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CLOSE!

Here comes the pressure and boy do Liverpool need a reward. Again it's Fabio Borini but his shot is parried by Wojciech Szczesny at his near post.

CLOSE!

Fabio Borini, six yards, centre of the goal, glancing header, tipped over the bar.

Raheem Sterling pulled out a lovely cross there and Borini's header was decent. A yard either side of the keeper and it would have caused major problems.

FIVE TO GO

We have five minutes left but don't forget some sizeable injury time given Martin Skrtel's injury in this half. I'd guess six minutes minimum.

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

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"It is impossible to say what is going on at the back for Liverpool now. It looks like it could be just two. I think they've basically just got Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho there and telling Jordan Henderson to go man-to-man with Alexis Sanchez."

CLOSE!

The efforts of Philippe Coutinho can't be questioned today. His aggressive forward run is picked out and though he gets space near the dead-ball line, his shot is side netting only.

SUBSTITUTION

Central defender Kolo Toure makes way and striker Rickie Lambert comes onto the field. Liverpool's players look confused, this is a new formation for the remaining 10 minutes or so.

It looks like Jordan Henderson will be right-back in a 4-4-2 system.

Arsene Wenger replies by bringing on Francis Coquelin for Olivier Giroud. That should firm things up. Coquelin was on loan at Charlton 10 days ago. Get out there and enjoy it son.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Liverpool do not deserve to be behind but there is now the added danger that in their desire to claim an equaliser they leave spaces at the back - and this is a defence that is vulnerable at the best of times. Brendan Rodgers's side still showing plenty of drive, however, and we are also looking at a lot of stoppage time following Martin Skrtel's injury."

This really has been an odd game. One side certainly not at the races but winning, the other so desperate for a win but missing chances galore to get one.

Liverpool have now had 18 shots, with just five on target.

Still they probe and Rickie Lambert is getting stripped off for a change which will offer a direct alternative.

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PA

John Parsons: More possession and chances but still losing. Closer to bottom four than top four!!!! Not good enough from Brendan Rodgers or the team.

Ash: Given the lack of fit strikers and bedding players, I can stand not scoring goals but I wish Liverpool could keep clean sheets.

Ally Finlay: Seen better football in the Scottish Championship. Liverpool v Arsenal both mid-table at best.

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CLOSE!

A solid offering by Lazar Markovic, completing 81% of passes and seeing one of his two shots in the game hit the target.

Often peripheral this season, his departure is probably not surprising but Lucas almost becomes a surprise goal scorer with a volleyed effort from 20 yards which misses by inches. Great strike, not great enough.

SUBSTITUTION

PA

Arsenal's last six attempts on target have found the net. Now is that good finishing or abysmal goalkeeping by both Brad Jones here and Newcastle's Jak Alnwick in their last fixture?

Fabio Borini is readied and will come on shortly. Frozen out, back in, frozen out, back in, who knows what his future is, probably not even he. Lazar Markovic is withdrawn.

Arsenal, as perhaps we have come to expect, are not going to knuckle down with bodies behind the ball here.

With space aplenty Liverpool attack through Steven Gerrard who shoots straight at Wojciech Szczesny and the Arsenal goalkeeper's crazy decision to not slow the play down sees his side lose possession again. Gerrard pings another one... saved.

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Aidan Williams: That goal was wonderful to watch, and that's as someone favouring the other team

James Butler: Got to love Giroud. We need to maintain composure now, long way to go still. Surviving that first half was crucial

Stacy Phillips: Typical Liverpool to give up poor goals when playing well. Let's see if it'll be typical Arsenal to give up the lead now

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AFP

Liverpool respond admirably with efforts from Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling but neither find the target and the Reds are now facing the possibility of Christmas in the bottom half of the table.

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Pete in Dorset: When is Brendan Rogers going to realise that he hasn't a clue where defensive coaching is concerned - if he wants to keep his job he needs some help from a decent coach. Phil Thompson where are you? your club needs you!

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BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Arsenal are performing a real smash and grab raid here. Liverpool have been the better side but Arsenal have taken the two chances they have created. Arsene Wenger pumped his fists in delight - his side have got something to get their teeth into now."

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

"It was a great ball into Olivier Giroud and he has played a one-two with Santi Cazorla, who then played a sumptuous ball back into Giroud to score. It is a great move by Arsenal. It is a class goal in anybody's language."

GOAL

AP

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In what is the first flowing move we so often associate Arsenal with, they punish Liverpool brutally.

Santi Cazorla gets to the dead-ball line and cuts a delivery back for Olivier Giroud who sweeps a finish low through Brad Jones.

It's a smart finish and just Arsenal's second shot on target. This is efficient finishing if nothing else. Penny for your thoughts Brendan Rodgers.

CLOSE!

Raheem Sterling summons his inner Usain Bolt to race clear and evade the onrushing challenge of Wojciech Szczesny who is way out of his goal.

The Liverpool winger curls the ball into the area from wide and Steven Gerrard will head at goal... over. There were defenders on the line but that was an opening.

Replays show Sterling also summoned his inner Maradona as he used his hand to evade the Arsenal goalkeeper.

606 phone-in

Lines are open for 606.

Kelly Cates and Ian Wright are standing by to take your calls on 606 on BBC 5 live. Happy Sunderland fans, disappointed Newcastle fans, get in touch with your response to your team's performance today. We don't deal in 'what ifs?' but… what if Gus Poyet had substituted Adam Johnson?

And Liverpool fans, was that the best opening spell you've seen for a while? There's plenty of attacking talent on show for Arsenal, but what have they done with it?

Plus, Burnley, Leicester and Hull fans, you make up the bottom three this Christmas, but 'tis the season to be jolly - so what can you be positive about, going into 2015?

Call us 0500909693, text 85058 or @bbc606 on social media.

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Peter, Durham: So tired of these sluggish Arsenal performances. The better the opposition the lesser the desire/effort. The ultimate flat track bullies

Ed, Wrexham: At Anfield, Arsenal are lucky If this game was at Emirates we would be saying Arsenal have not taken chances and Liverpool have stuck at it. It's level as Liverpool haven't taken their chances. Whose fault is that? The Liverpool bias is embarrassing.

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60 mins

Arsenal are unable to profit from two quick-fire corners and Liverpool break through the impressive Lazar Markovic. Build-up play ends with Lucas racing on to shoot first time from 20 yards but he leans back and that one threatens the upper reaches of the Kop.

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We are back under way, about six minutes long that stoppage. Martin Skrtel has a black bandage on but gets into the box for a Liverpool corner which comes to nothing.

Mathieu Flamini jogs around to stay loose as Martin Skrtel gets a cold towel applied to his face. He's not having a posh shave, this is serious treatment.

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The defender looks a bit distant but don't all centre-backs? I think he will be fine to continue but this will mean added time will be plentiful.

Here comes a head bandage, Terry Butcher-style. Arsenal fans pass the time by chanting "you are invincible" at Liverpool's Kolo Toure.

2 Good 2 Bad

MOTD2

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This one's for the eagle-eyed amongst you. Today we are asking for your contributions to the 2 Good 2 Bad segment on Match of the Day 2. If you happen to spot any comedy gold you can share it using #2good2bad on Twitter - and please make sure to include a time for your moment of hilarity.

You can watch the best contributions on tonight's programme from 22:20 GMT on BBC One in England and Wales, 22:40 in Northern Ireland, and 23:25 for viewers in Scotland.

Reuters

Martin Skrtel is beating the ground in pain and the replays show why. One of those moments where you can't help but mutter "ouch".

He contests a long ball with Olivier Giroud and while on the ground, is caught on the back of the head by the Arsenal striker's studs.

Physio on, Skrtel is flat down on the turf and looks uncomfortable.

Where do they go from here?

A big half ahead here for Liverpool. To be 11th at Christmas was not part of their thinking in August. They'll be 10th if this stays level.

BBC

CLOSE!

"Ohh Santi Cazorla" sing the Arsenal fans.

The Spaniard was their best player in the first half and he crafts space to shoot over the bar from 20 yards. In that single moment Arsenal looked more lively than they did in almost the entire 45 minutes.

You get the feeling this game will have a winner. What good does a draw do anyone?

Liverpool peppered the right side of Arsenal's defence in the first half, attacking Mathieu Debuchy.

The Frenchman brings down Raheem Sterling early in the second period in a dangerous area but Steven Gerrard's delivery is flat and gets dealt with.

Ian Wright

Former Arsenal striker and Sunday's 606 co-host

"I don't think Arsenal deserve to be level with the possession Liverpool have had. Give Philippe Coutinho credit, he got into space and finished it well. Arsenal need to liven it up. They haven't done anything but equalise. They have loads of attacking talent on the pitch, they should go for Liverpool and put more pressure on Brad Jones. They need to keep the ball and make Liverpool come to them."

KICK-OFF

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Here we go again then, can these 22 players carry on where they left off? Goals please...

Phil McNulty's assessment of Arsenal with the ball looks bang on.

Danny Welbeck has completed just 55% of his passes, Olivier Giroud 64%, Kieran Gibbs 67%, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers 68%. What's more, all of those figures fall when you look at their passing in the Liverpool half.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Liverpool's heads were bowed as they went in at the interval. Having worked hard to get the lead through to Philippe Coutinho it is cast aside within seconds as Mathieu Debuchy heads the equaliser for Arsenal. The Gunners will be delighted with that because they have been awful in the first 45 minutes - they have barely strung three passes together."

Reuters

No Premier League side has conceded more goals from free-kick situations than the three leaked by Liverpool this season.

Their lapse late in the half means Arsenal have now scored on nine consecutive visits to Anfield.

The half-time stats back up the general feeling that Arsenal have an early Christmas gift in being level at Anfield.

BBC

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Daniel Kelly: Not deserved by Arsenal at all! But, that just shows Liverpool's problem, no confidence at the back!

Steven Jerjian: Oh so very predictable from Liverpool. Awful goal at an even more awful time

Osama: And that was the most undeserved goal ever! Arsenal lucky!

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BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

"I was just going to say that if Liverpool go in one up at half-time the team talk will be great but that completely changes it for the second half."

HALF-TIME

A fixture which promised us goals delivered eventually.

Liverpool will kick themselves for gifting their lead within moments of earning it, Arsene Wenger may well kick his Arsenal players for being so poor in the first half.

If they go on and win this, that one minute and 53 second gap between goals will be combed over by Brendan Rodgers.

GOAL

Reuters

This goal is reminiscent of Bolton in the Sam Allardyce days. Keep the ball alive was the mantra. Very un-Arsenal.

A free-kick into the box is headed partially clear but Mathieu Flamini nods it right back into the mixer and there is Mathieu Debuchy six yards from goal to level.

What an escape for Arsene Wenger's side.

GOAL

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Again Arsenal lose possession and Jordan Henderson finds Philippe Coutinho 20 yards from goal. The Brazilian has impressed today and finds space to drive low, across goal and in off the post. He races away to celebrate and is mobbed.

Jackpot for Liverpool and Arsenal get what they deserve right on half-time.

Bums off seats, baying for blood. And which player is the centre of attention? Mathieu Flamini.

The Arsenal spoiler competes for a lofted ball with Adam Lallana and his elbow leaves the Liverpool man in a heap. It looks innocuous at first glance but the crowd didn't like it.

A talking point.

Liverpool have only lost one of their last 15 home matches on a Sunday, notching nine wins and five draws.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are without a win in their last three on the road in Sunday matches. The Gunners look like they'd rather be in front of the fire and Arsene Wenger looks on perplexed.

They've had a touch here as a lacklustre display has not been punished.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Max Welford: The gap between LFC's strikers and midfield is far too big. They should let the ball move, rather than move the ball with them

Aashish: Arsenal playing as if they'd rather be Xmas shopping - get in the game already

Stephen Gilmore: Feel sorry for the players, the tactics are just wrong, yet again. And when has Wenger ever adapted tactics mid-match

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CLOSE!

Lazar Markovic has not made a tangible impact in a Liverpool shirt yet but my word today has been his chance. Moments after fluffing the game's best opening he is fed by Raheem Sterling, who fires over the bar.

A good opening from 18 yards.

Liverpool have had seven attempts on goal so far but just two on target. Their lack of punch in front of goal means Arsenal will retreat to their corner at half-time braced for tough words from their coach but fully aware they could leave here with three points.

Just eight minutes to the break.

BBC Radio 5 live's Mark Lawrenson at Anfield

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"You would just like to see Lazar Markovic have the courage of his convictions. You want him to run at defenders. He has the pace and the ability. He definitely has got something. Once he gets in the box you are not going to tackle him because there's a good chance it will be a penalty."

GREAT SAVE!

It would appear the aforementioned 'switch' involved moving Danny Welbeck up front as he has joined Olivier Giroud but the major impact we are looking for nearly arrives through Lazar Markovic.

He breaks into the Arsenal area and closes in on goal... a great chance... saved. Wojciech Szczesny spread himself brilliantly to save with his legs. That was a golden opening, eight yards from goal, albeit at an angle.

The managers are both up off the bench. Brendan Rodgers applauds a moment of his side's play, Arsene Wenger is crossing his hands as if to tell two players to switch positions.

I am of course assuming that two pointed fingers crossed over one another is the international sign language for 'switch'.

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

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"Liverpool still holding sway and one of the promising signs for manager Brendan Rodgers will be the lively display of Lazar Markovic. The £20m signing from Benfica struggled in the early months following his move but has looked much more at home in recent weeks. He has pace and has shown a good touch and awareness in possession. Now he must maintain it. Nothing seen of Arsenal as an attacking force so far."

Gunners usually fire...

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Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in October is the only time they have failed to score in the league this season.

They average 1.75 goals a game in the league this season compared to Liverpool's 1.19.

This pattern has not been prevalent so far at Anfield today. Home side on top.

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst at Anfield for BBC Radio 5 live

"Arsenal are starting to work their triangles, which they are extremely good at. There is an awful lot of attacking players on this pitch, so we should have goals. If I was Arsenal I would be a bit worried about the amount of space Philippe Coutinho is getting between the lines at the moment."

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Philippe Coutinho is the standout man so far and he keeps a move flowing with a ball out wide. The ball is moved infield and Lazar Markovic floats a ball over the Arsenal back four but it has too much zip for Sterling to catch.

Arsenal fans gasped there as it looked good for the home side briefly.

Arsenal's sloppy start with the ball is underlined by the fact both Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud are giving the ball away 50% of the time when they get it.

The Gunners, Santi Cazorla apart, are in wasteful mood with the ball. Again Liverpool knock it about in a non-threatening area before a move breaks down through Adam Lallana on the edge of the area.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Belete Eshetea: I don't understand why Arsene Wenger starts Calum Chambers? Hector Bellerin was brilliant against Newcastle United!

Kish'n Chips: Glad to see Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Phillipe Coutinho starting together today.

Sanj: If Liverpool don't score before the 30-minute mark, Arsenal will eventually wake up and nick this 1-0, 2-0...

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Arsenal will take some early heart from the fact Liverpool's defensive three look nervy when put under a bit of pressure.

They are yet to concede a chance but an air of panic grips Anfield when the ball nears the Kop End at the moment.

Alexis Sanchez forces a contentious corner but Santi Cazorla's delivery is abysmal. First man wellies it away.

BBC Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson at Anfield

"Mamadou Sakho with the ball at his feet is like a new-born gazelle balancing on a beach ball."

A bit harsh, the Frenchman has completed 91% of his 23 passes so far.

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Adam Lallana forces a corner with a deflected effort and though Steven Gerrard's effort is met by the giant figure of Mamadou Sakho his header is tame and loops wide.

The story of Liverpool's opening. Lots of bluster for no punishing attempts.

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In the opening 17 minutes Liverpool have managed to have 79% of possession. Yes, you did read that correctly.

It's one-way stuff but just three attempts on goal and none particularly meaningful. Arsenal are being bettered but their boss will not be too concerned just yet.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"So far so good for Arsenal, at least compared to last season's carnage when they were four down inside 20 minutes, but Liverpool by far the better side in the opening period. Sharper to the ball and with Philippe Coutinho seeing plenty of possession, Liverpool have made an encouraging start. Arsenal have yet to threaten but at least there has been no repeat of February's early collapse."

Arsenal - attacking the Kop in the first half as they were when humbled 5-1 last year - are conceding possession frequently.

Phillipe Coutinho is the latest Liverpool player to wrestle the ball from an opponent in midfield, he has started brightly.

The feared two

BBC

CLOSE!

A neat interchange between Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic sees the former Southampton man burst into the box, the angle isn't great but what the heck, he smashes one just over the bar.

Liverpool are bettering this.

There we see the limitations of Liverpool's no-striker policy.

Raheem Sterling shows strength out wide and delivers a lobbed cross but Per Mertesacker leaps like a salmon to power it away. The German is under no pressure at all. All the floaty, light-footed attacking players Liverpool have aren't busting to nod one home.

Where is Andy Carroll?

Both sides have plenty of what I call a 'ball loving' player in them today.

Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, Philippe Coutinho, Santi Cazorla, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the names roll off the tongue.

Lucas Leiva and Mathieu Flamini, the enforcers on the pitch, will have their work cut out. Fast and frenzied so far but nothing meaningful created and right on cue, Lucas hacks down Kieran Gibbs out wide.

Classic on the 21st?

The last time these two sides met on the 21st day of a month they served up eight goals in a 4-4 draw.

Yes, even I know that is a tedious link to cling onto but I'm in the mood to give you hope of a lung-buster affair.

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Andrey Arshavin scored four that night. He looked like a world beater. It turns out he wasn't for long.

It takes less than 90 seconds for bums to be lifted off seats as Lazar Markovic frees Philippe Coutinho who runs at the Arsenal defence.

It's three against three but the Brazilian is brought down by Per Mertesacker 20 yards from goal. Free-kick in a great position.

Steven Gerrard whips it... wayward.

Nice stuff from Markovic, a clean chop by Mertesacker.

KICK-OFF

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Red and white awash stand at Anfield as You'll Never Walk Alone belts out.

The cheers of Arsenal fans can be heard underneath it but eventually the Liverpool anthem takes control given their home advantage.

Stay with us here for every kick. There must be some festive treats knocking about the house to keep you energised. Enjoy.

We are under way...

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What would Liverpool give to have this fella on the pitch this afternoon instead of sat in the stands?

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge: About to get some treatment and watch the game. Come on boys!!

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Here come the players

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Less than five minutes to go until kick-off then and a reminder that Liverpool will move ninth and Arsenal sixth if either find a win today.

And with all the talk of Sterling as a striker, underperforming teams and rubbish Liverpool goalkeepers, we have forgotten to tip Kolo Toure a wink. He of course faces his old club here. Toure so far has one win and a defeat against them in a Liverpool shirt.

The players are in the tunnel...

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard claimed the 5-1 win against Arsenal here at Anfield in February - when the Reds were 4-0 up inside 20 minutes - was one of the finest team performances he had ever been involved in.

"For Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, it was humiliation coupled with capitulation. The two sides meet again with Liverpool struggling this season outside the top 10 while Arsenal currently occupy a position outside the Champions League places in seventh.

"Liverpool will take victory without any of the glitter associated with that last performance while Arsenal - inspired by the man wanted so badly here at Anfield last summer Alexis Sanchez - need to show they can travel to one of their main rivals and actually come away with something."

BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty at Anfield

"Anfield is predictably being treated to a selection of seasonal tunes over the PA system - including a very mournful version of 'In The Bleak Midwinter'. Hope that's not an attempt at expectation management ahead of Liverpool's meeting with Arsenal.

"Plenty of chat about Liverpool's scintillating 5-1 win against Arsenal here last season... but not too much talk of a repeat."

What a difference a year makes

Festive cheer this time last year for these two clubs as dreams of a sought-after - and as many of of their fans believe - overdue league title looked a possibility...

BBC

Fast forward to this morning and there is an all together different look to things. Europa League place anybody?

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Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Daniel Kelly: Both sides in need of a win, both managers under pressure. Big, big game! Just hope Liverpool are the team with the three points.

Paul Clarke: Big Arsenal win today. Steven Gerrard to be exposed again by Gunners' pace in attacking third.

Dominic: Liverpool need a partner for Daniel Sturridge so why not take a punt on Fernando Torres. His record as a red is as formidable as it gets.

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Wenger's wing focus

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, speaking to Sky Sports: "For us it could be won or lost on the wings because they play three centre backs. They will be very dangerous with Sterling coming out quickly, he has a change of direction running with the ball so that is something we will have to watch.

"It's always a high paced game. I expect Liverpool to try to catch us on the break like they did last year. Of course we have to re-group quickly, get back quickly and yet not lose the focus of the attack."

Rodgers sees positives

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's been a struggle this season trying to find the balance; there is no doubt about that. But over the last few weeks the players have been working hard to get to that level again.

"Any player will tell you, you have to have that confidence - that ultimately breeds success. [In the League Cup against Bournemouth] we had an excellent performance. Bournemouth are an excellent side, and everybody saw that as a potential banana skin for us, but the level of our football was really good. It is a different challenge today."

Somebody stop me

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No Reds striker but goals surely?

Sterling will be Liverpool's focal point again today it seems and his manager this week defended him from criticism.

"It's been incredible the stick the kid has received with people trying to criticise him and put the focus on to him. He's been outstanding for us," said Rodgers.

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Looking at the teams, you do get the sense this could be a Christmas bonanza of goals. Questionable defences, lots of creative types, no need for caution or no great value in a draw.

Come on, let's have it.

The golden boy

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Raheem Sterling picked up Tuttosport's Golden Boy award for the best young player of 2014 earlier in the week.

Among the former winners are Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Mario Gotze and Sergio Aguero.

Sterling secured 37.3% of the vote to beat off a long, long list of other candidates, including Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj (2.1%), Arsenal's Calum Chambers (0.6%) and Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb (1.1%).

I think Tuttosport could have slimmed down to a shortlist.

Mackems beat Magpies

Late, late drama at St James' Park where Sunderland have beaten rivals Newcastle for the fourth consecutive time.

Adam Johnson struck the only goal with just minutes to go. You can keep up with all the reaction in our live text. Go on, open two windows on your computer, I dare you.

Arsenal out for revenge?

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown

MOTD2 Extra

"I think when things get rock bottom you have to build from that. There are times in your career you look back at and think 'that will never happen again'. It is up to the individuals to take responsibility for the team. You take it personally and put your body on the line. To get any result at Anfield you have to give everything."

"Have you seen that?" "Unbelievable"

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Liverpool's 5-1 hammering of then-leaders Arsenal was pure jaw-drop - a result so shocking that BT Sport based a star-studded advert just on people reacting to the Reds' early flurry of goals.

Since then Suarez has left, Sanchez has arrived, and the sands have shifted.

Just 40 minutes until kick-off, what, if anything, remains the same?

Attacking talent aplenty

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Raheem Sterling terrorised Arsenal in Liverpool's 5-1 here last season and he will he hoping to do the same in his latest central role, a position that brought him two goals in the Capital One Cup win at Bournemouth. Mamadou Sakho starts in place of the injured Dejan Lovren while Lucas is in to provide solidity in midfield.

"Arsenal make just a single change with Calum Chambers coming in for Hector Bellerin in defence - but there is plenty of attacking intent in a side containing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck."

Painful memories...

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Haunted Gunners

Teams in, warm-up about to commence, but are Arsenal haunted?

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Their 5-1 drubbing here last season saw them 4-0 down inside 20 minutes.

Yes, terms like "one-off", "freak game" get trotted out, but did it unhinge the Gunners? Before then, they had averaged 2.29 points from 24 games while scoring almost two goals a match. From 8 February to now, they have managed 1.67 points a game, have scored 1.63 goals a match.

Spooked?

"Welbeck's puffing out his chest"

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live

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"When you're a young player coming through you are looked at differently to when a club pays a lot of money for you. I think that even now Danny Welbeck could be in the Manchester United side but they always looked at him as the player who had come through. The move has been excellent for him as a man. Even though Olivier Giroud is coming back, he has gone there and puffed out his chest."

BREAKING ARSENAL TEAM NEWS

Mathieu Debuchy replaces Hector Bellerin from the Arsenal side that defeated Newcastle last weekend. Calum Chambers returns from suspension.

Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Chambers, Gibbs, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Alexis, Giroud, Welbeck.

"Sterling is not a striker... yet"

Former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts

BBC Radio 5 live

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"Raheem Sterling is not yet a striker, and you could see some of that with the chances he missed against Manchester United, but he looks like he is warming to the role with Liverpool.

"I think that the bigger problem is how Liverpool are playing. They don't have the same pace up front, the same urgency from the first whistle. Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert are more target men than players who will run in behind. You have to look at the buys that Liverpool have made. They don't fit their style."

BREAKING LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS

Mamadou Sakho comes in for the injured Dejan Lovren at centre-back in the only change from Liverpool's League Cup win over Bournemouth in midweek.

Liverpool XI: Jones, Toure, Skrtel, Sakho, Lucas, Henderson, Markovic, Coutinho, Gerrard, Lallana, Sterling.

So Raheem Sterling will seemingly play as a striker again. It worked in midweek, he missed chances at Old Trafford last Sunday, let's be cruel and call this one the decider on whether he can do it or not.

Does a Torres trump a Mario?

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And while we are on the striker front, some stories circulating today linking Liverpool with a move for their former talisman Fernando Torres.

The Chelsea forward, on loan at AC Milan, is out of favour. Torres managed three goals in a Liverpool shirt against Arsenal. For more on his rumoured move and others, have a mooch at our gossip column.

What do the Reds need and how do you see today going? Tweet us on #bbcfootball.

How do you solve a problem like Mario?

Former Liverpool defender Alan Kennedy

BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Mario Balotelli has something to offer. He has the talent but he has to work harder for the team. But they have to look seriously at getting another striker. There's a lot of weight on the shoulders of Raheem Sterling. He does create chances but you have to play to his strengths."

Balo-not-on-telli

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Oh Mario.

His attempt to spread an anti-racism message via social media last week seemed genuine, as you might expect given the amount he has suffered.

Sadly, the humour deployed in his Instagram post was well off-key.

So after suffering with a groin injury, his return to the Liverpool attack has been delayed with a one-match ban.

Given his wind-up directed at Manchester United earlier this season, the Reds could do with locking his keypad for good.

Team news

Team news should drop in around 10 minutes for this one, we will have it all here.

No Mario Balotelli for Liverpool remember - suspended - Calum Chambers is back from suspension for the Gunners.

Join the debate on the BBC Sport Google+ page

Sean Lahm: Brendan Rodgers has done a fairly good job. Too soon to rate his decisions yet. At least he tries to play attractive football. He could just sit back, absorb and hope for a few key chances. But his likes his teams to push it. I'm not a Liverpool fan, but I respect the guy's vision.

Stephen Hodnett: Vision? A couple of years ago Andre Villas-Boas conned his way into a couple of big clubs, spent millions and achieved nothing. Brendan has as much vision and continually claims that Liverpool are heading in the right direction. That direction is down.

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Rodgers not in the mood for questions

Now, the emotionally intelligent among you will have realised Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was in frosty mood on Friday.

Perhaps his advent calendar had angered him, perhaps they'd run out of his favourite turkey at the supermarket, who knows?

His news conference lasted 270 seconds and was packed with one-sentence answers.

Why so angry Brendan? Criticism from the media? By around 17:45 GMT you may be laughing at journalists in your post-match gathering or offering more awkward answers to more awkward questions.

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Three FA Cup finals, a League Cup final, a Champions League quarter-final and that dramatic title decider in 1989 - there's almost always been something 'up for grabs now' when the mighty footballing institutions that are Liverpool and Arsenal meet.

"The truth is that in the race to be champions of England this game, at this time, is no more relevant than one between, say, Stoke and Swansea.

"That's not to say that it won't be passionate, exciting, committed and entertaining; it should be. It's just that what's at stake now is trying to catch West Ham in fourth and keeping the fans off the managers' backs."

Welcome, enjoy and tweet us

Welcome to another BBC Sport live text on Arsenal's trip to Liverpool.

Team news, quotes from club staff past and present, stats, social media interaction from yourselves on #bbcfootball, lots of description and pictures will all be here for you.

These sides have not served up a goalless draw since 1999 and neither look Scrooge-like at the back this year, so stick with us for all the action.

From cool to erratic II

But Brendan Rodgers will today look across his technical area at a man under pressure - though he is a) used to it and b) has no worries about going grey.

Last season ended with an FA Cup moment which shed the air of failure at Arsenal and started a new dawn.

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But with his side seventh in the table and 13 points off top spot - where they last finished in 2004 - Arsene Wenger is dividing opinion among the clubs' supporters.

One thing is for sure, either he or Rodgers will not be full of festive cheer after this one.

From cool to erratic

Date: 8 February 2014

Liverpool thump Arsenal 5-1 in game six of a 16-match unbeaten run which took them to the brink of a first title in 24 years. Manager Brendan Rodgers looks crisp, his jacket is dapper, life is pretty much a thumbs up, the Reds are fourth.

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Roll on 316 days and it's not just the coat that's changed. The title hope evaporated. The star striker left. Another goal scorer is constantly injured. A striker bought to fill the void is behaving like Mario Balotelli (you see what we did there) and Liverpool are 11th.

Hide your eyes. Maybe you can turn the clock back today.

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