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."

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.

Image source, 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.

Image source, Getty Images

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.

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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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

Image source, Getty Images

"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."

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

Image source, Getty Images

"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."

Image source, Getty Images

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."

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Image source, PA

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.