Relive Arsenal's draw with Liverpool

1. Ramsey has goal disallowed & Sanchez hits post
2. Cech on form as Liverpool hit woodwork twice
3. Click on audio icon for BBC Radio 5 live
4. Get involved: #bbcfootball

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Getty Images

Thanks for your company.

Plenty more action this week, as well as all the latest grunts and groans from the transfer rumour machine.

You now where to come for the latest.

Bye for now.

Match stats

BBC

34% is the lowest possession stat is the lowest Liverpool have recorded in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers.

That is far from their worst result though.

Manager reaction

More from Arsene Wenger on BBC Sport : "We scored a regular goal that was disallowed, I don't believe I can do something about it. At the end of the day the referee cancelled out a regular goal. Like it or don't like it, it is a fact.

"We had chances bit we couldn't finish them off. When you play at home and don't win, people always find problems.

"It is not the result or the complete performance but we came back in the second half.

"If you are not first, you play catch up, there are 19 times who play catch up."

Manager reaction

Getty

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Sky Sports: "Liverpool had some chances in the first half and nothing in the second. We had chances in both halves and were unlucky because we scored a regular goal that was ruled out and that was very difficult to understand.

"We were insecure at the back because we had a new defence but second half we were more stable.

"We played quite well in the first half, we had chances, enough chances to win the game. Liverpool cannot complain with the decision, not on Monday, not today.

"You have to give credit to Liverpool, they worked very hard defensively. We want to score goals, we had a lot of possession but if you cannot finish and a team plays deep, we struggled to score. This is the second time at home and we are not used to that.

"We know we can score goals but we need to play what we do better in the final third."

BBC Radio 5 Live

A bold statement from Chappers. Don't forget you can listen to BBC Radio 5 live by clicking on the audio icon on this page.

Getty Images

Next matches...

Next up for Arsenal is a visit to Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.

Liverpool entertain West Ham at 15:00 BST on the same day.

Manager reaction

More from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers on BBC Sport:  "I thought we were very good. First half Petr Cech was the man of the match. 

"Second half we were always a threat going forward. The players worked ever so hard."

Manager reaction

Reuters

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports: ""I thought we were outstanding, we showed everything. You heard Petr Cech getting a round of appluase for the saves he made.

"Overall we kept a good clean sheet but disappointed we didn't win. It is about keeping really well organised.

"Both goalkeepers made good saves. A really good clean sheet against a top team.

"We saw how our team is growing. Nothing to add on any transfers."

Manager reaction

Brendan Rodgers has just appeared in front of the cameras and, as you might expect, he is accentuating the positives.

A "real focus", "strong", an "attacking threat". 

He is asked if Mario Balotelli has finalised a loan back to AC Milan. He keeps a poker face as he stonewalls the question, but he looks like a man relieved that he won't have to answer questions about the man much longer.

Player reaction

Getty Images

Arsenal keeper Petr Cech speaking to Sky Sports: "When you start with your first game at a new club and everything goes wrong you have to go back to work and bounce back.

"This was one of those game where I was in the right place at the right time. It is hard to believe after all the chances in the game that it finished 0-0. 

"With Christian Benteke's effort, Gabriel tried to intercept the ball and I have to wait and get there fast after the shot. 

"The positive thing out of this game is the number of chances we created in the second half. We made plenty of errors in the first half."

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

The table

If you told Arsenal fans at the start of the season that they would be above Chelsea after three games, they would have taken it.

They might not be so sure now...

BBC

The table

Liverpool's tough set of fixtures early on in the season could have piled immediate pressure on Brendan Rodgers after a drab 2014-15 season.

So far he is swimming, not sinking.

BBC

You can listen to the BBC Radio 5 live social now.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

If Arsenal are expecting to take top four, then why shouldn't Liverpool? They were equally as good as each other.

PA

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Petr Cech and Simon Mignolet swaps shirts and a smile. The two goalkeepers had excellent games.

That is a third successive clean sheet for the Liverpool goalkeeper.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain wallops in a shot. Mignolet pushes behind.

From the resulting corner, Gabriel heads over as the goalkeeper comes and misses with a punch.

That might be that...

CLOSE!

Javier Moreno, fresh off the bench, storms forwards. It's three on two. Give it!

Greedy. The Spaniard goes it alone and is robbed by an under-staffed Arsenal defence.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

The Liverpool fans start a chorus of You'll Never Walk Alone.

They believe that their team might have done enough for a point. They might be right. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain's pass to Nacho Monreal is hopelessly over-hit.

PA

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Not over yet...

There have been nine 90th minute goals in the last 11 Premier League games between Arsenal and Liverpool.

GEt

INJURY TIME

Four minutes of injury-time and hope for both sides....

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

Coutinho has been absolutely wonderful, what a player. He would get you off your seat.

CLOSE!

Martin Skrtel stretches just far enough to nudges the ball away from Aaron Ramsey as the Welshman prepares to pull the trigger.

Simon Mignolet punches a cross clear.

Arsenal still hammering forward.

SUBSTITUTION

Javier Moreno comes on for Philippe Coutinho. Who takes his time heading off the pitch.

Liverpool are gasping for the final whistle.

Getty Images

YELLOW CARD

Simon Mignolet is booked for time-wasting. Guilty as charged.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Arsenal have Liverpool on the rack here. Emirates is sensing a late winner.

Santi Cazorla is not going to supply it like that. He crashes clean over the top from 25 yards.

Five to go.

SUBSTITUTION

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaces Francis Coquelin and has an immediate impact for Arsenal. He hares down the left and sends in a skimming cross that Martin Skrtel stabs just wide of his own post.

Getty Images

GREAT SAVE!

Simon Mignolet is almost wrong-footed as a shot from distance deflects off Dejan Lovren, but the Belgian shifts his weight just in time to get down and save.

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

How good is Coutinho? Unbelievable ability. You always have a chance with a player like that.

AP

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho's twinkle toes take him jinking into the penalty area, before he puts a size nine through the back of the ball. It is straight at Petr Cech, but that was a warning to Arsenal that Liverpool still have the talent to snatch something out of nothing.

YELLOW CARD

 Joe Gomez has his name taken after tugging Aaron Ramsey's shirt. He had been done up like a kipper by the Welshman's backheel and was caught the wrong side.

A good tactical yellow to take from Liverpool's point of view.

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool earn a corner as Francis Coquelin turns a Philippe Coutinho cross behind.

Plenty of height with the likes of Benteke, Can and Skrtel up to compete for it, but Arsenal clear.

Another minute chewed up and spat out by the visitors though.

Get Involved

Andy Kershaw:  Got to say, Michael Oliver has matured into a flippin' good Premier League referee. Letting the game flow nicely.

Agreed, well played ref.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Getty Images

SUBSTITUTION

Brendan Rodgers responds with a change of his own. Off comes Lucas Leiva, who looks a little leggy as he heads to the sidelines, and on comes Jordan Rossiter.

SUBSTITUTION

Arsenal bring on the pace of Theo Walcott, but sacrifice the muscular focal point to their attack in Olivier Giroud.

Right move Arsenal fans?

It feels that the Gunners have the upper hand.

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Aaron Ramsey goes for placement, attempting to curl one into the postage stamp from outside the box.

Simon Mignolet is across well to pluck it out of the air.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

A rare bit of respite for Liverpool as Joe Gomez storms forward. The counter attack comes to an end as James Milner fires a meaty 20-yarder straight down Petr Cech's gullet.

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

Liverpool will take a point won't they? Maybe not after that first half performance but they will be happy enough.

Reuters

CLOSE!

Simon Mignolet's turn to earn his keep after Petr Cech's first-half heroics.

The Liverpool goalkeeper has more hangtime than Michael Jordan as he pushes away Olivier Giroud's effort from 10 yards after a clever turn round the corner from Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Arsenal are really stretching Liverpool now. Real width and there are crosses whizzing through the visitors six-yard box.

Reuters

YELLOW CARD

Emre Can has his name taken as the Liverpool midfielder fouls Aaron Ramsey.

The German is picking up the lingo quickly, judging by his passionate protests.

Get Involved

Daniel Woodley: #LFCfalse doing an expert job on #arsenalfalse defensively tonight. Rodgers side just need a goal for the complete away performance.

Phil Giles:  I get the feeling that #AFC will nick this and as usual #LFCfalse will be heading north licking their wounds.

JayTeeOjo:  Time to take Giroud out and bring on a Striker. Oh no we have none. Put Sanchez up front.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Getty Images

Arsenal are pressing Liverpool deeper and deeper and the cracks are starting to show in the visitors' rearguard.

Olivier Giroud is only a whisker away from poking home a teasing low cross.

Get Involved

Adam Byrne: How on earth did an experienced and talented forward like Alexis Sanchez miss that gilt-edged chance?! It's all Arsenal now.

Gee em: Everyone gives Giroud grief about scoring, but the service to him is so poor. Not fair on the guy nearly a goal every 2 games.

Reuters

SUBSTITUTION

That is the end of Roberto Firmino's first start.

The Brazilian is replaced by Jordon Ibe after a solid, if unspectacular, display.

YELLOW CARD

Martin Skrtel has his name taken for a nudge in the back of the pesky Alexis Sanchez.

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho tries his luck from way down town, but his trundling long-ranger is gathered up by Petr Cech.

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Arsenal at last spending some time on the ball and some of the frantic air of their play from the first half has disappeared - at least for now. 

"They still look a little short on inspiration and the giant figure of Christian Benteke is still playing on the nerves of those Gunners defenders."

HITS THE WOODWORK

Reuters

Alexis Sanchez! Has to be! Isn't.

The Arsenal attacker latches onto Olivier Giroud's deft knock, but, off balance, fires his shot against the outside of the post from eight yards.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Getty Images

A few spoiling tactics from Liverpool as goalkeeper Simon Mignolet 'mis-controls' the ball returned to him for a goal-kick by a ball-boy.

Michael Oliver warns him, but keeps yellow under wraps.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

More promising signs for Arsenal and Alexis Sanchez is at the centre of it all.

The Chilean lays the ball off via his chest on the edge of the area, Olivier Giroud takes a swipe and volleys wide.

Better from the hosts.

Getty Images

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

It's more controlled from Arsenal now. They are waiting and keeping possession rather than forcing the issue.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Christian Benteke has got the classic good touch for a big man apparently.

That was not one of them. The Liverpool striker's attempt to feint a shot and cut inside is heavy hoofed and runs through to Petr Cech.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Opta

History in the making?

The games were against Burnley and Chelsea at the old Highbury Stadium. They lost a third straight home game after this...to Liverpool (2-1).

Reuters

Get Involved

Neil Wylie:  Arsenal lacking any sort of menace, desperately need an elite striker. Wenger: dare to Zlatan?

Steve Tudor:  I'm a fan of Chambers but today he needs an early shower.

JavelBleach: #LFCfalse clearly overspent in energy in the 1st half & will have to economise - opening the door for #Arsenalfalse?

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Alexis Sanchez brings some nip and zip to Arsenal's attack, floating wide before arrowing a low cross into Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman's shot is deflected over the top. 

Might unleashing the pace of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain off the bench be Wenger's trump as this match wears on?

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Santi Cazorla loads up from 30 yards, but his blast is blocked at source by a cowering Liverpool defender.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

A quiet start to the second half with Liverpool seeing more of the ball.

Joe Gomez, who looked good so far, twice wings in crosses but neither finds Christian Benteke in the penalty area. 

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Calum Chambers completed only 76% of his passes in the first half - the worst of any Arsenal outfield player.

No changes for either side.

Getty Images

KICK-OFF

Christian Benteke taps the ball to Philippe Coutinho and we are back up and running.

That save

BBC

Petr Cech's save from Christian Benteke was from such short range that there is not even space for a shot arrow...

Vote results

We asked you which of these sides were the most likely to challenge for the title. Arsenal get your nod - despite that first 45 minutes....

.

Half-time stats

BBC

That is only half the story though.

Liverpool have had 11 shots, five on target. Arsenal have had three, one of which was on target.

The Reds have also hit the woodwork twice and seen Christian Benteke denied by a jaw-dropper of a save from Petr Cech.

Brendan Rodgers' game-plan is more smash-and-grab than 2013-14's shock-and-awe, but it is working so far.

Petr Cech continues to be loved by his fellow stoppers...

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"How is that goalless? How are Liverpool not ahead? Answer - the woodwork and the brilliance of goalkeeper Petr Cech. 

Arsenal have been a complete calamity at the back but they have somehow survived unscathed. 

"Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be bemused at not having a lead."

Getty Images

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

Petr Cech has made up for the error he made against West Ham. He has kept his side in this game.

HALF-TIME

A frantic, enthralling half. And Liverpool got stronger as it went on.

Reuters

HITS THE WOODWORK

Petr Cech gets Arsenal off the hook again!

Philippe Coutinho leaves Hector Bellerin reeling with dazzling footwork before hitting a peach of a curling shot.

Cech's fingertip turns it onto the post to keep the scoreline blank.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

This is turning into a video nasty for Calum Chambers. The Arsenal centre back gives the ball away again.

Will Wenger be preparing the half-time hook? Mathieu Debuchy is on the bench. 

Reuters

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Seems as though the goalkeeping union enjoyed that from Petr Cech...

Reuters

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Roberto Fimino wallops a shot wide from the edge of the box. The Brazilian is starting to show up after a quiet start, combining well with compatriot Philippe Coutinho.

Get Involved

IG:  I already shouted goal! Benteke! That was an epic save from Cech

Guy Janaway:  How on earth did Benteke miss?

Get Involved

Getty Images

Joel Ejike Oblates: If Benteke can't score against this shaky inexperiened Arsenal defence, then he won't justify his hefty price tag anytime soon.

Mathew Penistone: Right now I can annoyingly only see a Liverpool goal. Giroud needs to step up and do more to ease the pressure.

James William Dingle: Chambers no where near the quality required at this level, absolutely miles away.

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

Let's be honest, Christian Benteke should score as he shouldn't even give Arsenal keeper Petr Cech a chance but it is a world class save.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

A frankly unbelievable  save.

At least that is what Chrstian Benteke will tell everyone.

The Liverpool striker is picked out by a low cross from Philippe Coutinho, far post, seven yards out.

His stabbed shot is firm, but a more emphatic shot would not have given Petr Cech the chance to get down and push the ball away.

Brendan Rodgers was already celebrating.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Nothing defensive about this match so far, as you can see from the average position graphic below...

Opta

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Liverpool just having the better of things and Christian Benteke making his presence felt in the physical challenges, brushing two Arsenal defenders off with ease in one run. 

"Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be concerned at the number of unnecessary risks and mistakes from his side at the back. They've had several warnings - and need to heed them."

Reuters

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Arsenal's defence is chasing again. Emre Can's simple flick-on springs Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel had to put on the after-burners to make up the ground and usher him away from goal.

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

There is a lop-sided look to Arsenal. All the width is on the right and very little on the right.

Analysis

This graphic shows Arsenal's heatmap on the left and Liverpool's on the right and shows the Gunners are having more possession...

What is doesn't show is Liverpool carrying more of the threat.

Opta

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Calum Chambers posted a picture of him posing in his club suit before the match.

He is looking a lot less composed now.

Christian Benteke just monstered him for strength and then nut-megged the former Southampton man as he attempted to recover.

This Arsenal defence is creaking.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Arsenal's back four are all playing like they are jacked up on quadruple espressos.

Hector Bellerin is the latest to have a bad case of the jitters - almost letting in Christian Benteke with a tentative poke back towards Petr Cech.

Get Involved

Getty Images

Oliver Music: Time for Firmino and Benteke to prove they are £60 million's worth of footballer, not looking like £60 worth at the moment...

Warind: both having defensive nightmares. Champions are built from the back. Neither will win the title anytime soon.

Jay: Coquelin has been massive for Arsenal so far. Possibly the only reason why Arsenal aren't two goals behind.

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool are looking dangerous every time they come forward.

This time it is James Milner bringing a good save out of Petr Cech with a awkward side-foot volley before Nathaniel Clyne's shot is deflected wide from the edge of the area.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Most the danger Arsenal find themselves in is self-inflicted.

They attempt to play their way out of trouble with a series of short passes, but Liverpool break it up and Christian Benteke spins his man and bears down on the penalty area.

Francis Coquelin manages to get back and make a tackle. Does he get the ball? Michael Oliver says so. 

Getty Images

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

James Milner hits a long Hail Mary hoof upfield towards Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian briefly looks favourite to get to it, but Calum Chambers gets across to snuff out the danger.

It could have been sticky for the hosts had he not got the first touch.

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirate Stadium

Both these teams have got a threat but they both look vulnerable to the other team's pace in attack.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

James Milner slides in on Nacho Monreal, sending the Spaniard sprawling.

If he got a bit of the ball, you needed Snicko to detect it. Referee Michael Oliver takes mercy and keeps his yellow card in his pocket.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Opta

Arsenal dominating possession but it is Liverpool who have had the most shots so far.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Defending an optional extra here so far as both Arsenal and Liverpool look liable to concede every time they are attacked - it's certainly not dull but there is a circus element about it so far. Hope no-one has put their savings on a goalless draw."

PA

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Calum Chambers plays Arsenal into deep trouble and Francis Coquelin plays them straight back out of it with a superb recovery tackle.

Chambers, under pressure from Christian Benteke, duffs a pass straight to Philippe Coutinho, but his team-mate scampers back to rob the Brazilian.

That had to be perfect inside the area.

Liverpool are looking dangerous on a diet of little possession.

Reuters

Get Involved

Hary Manoharan:  Liverpool are certainly getting the rub of the green with the refereeing decisions.

Gee Em: @LFC look like they are playing in a formation that they haven't bothered to try at training this year.

Shane Daly:  Players are too fast for linesmen these day's, the ball's played through are so quick. It's such a shame, was a great goal.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

The game is starting to find its rhythm.

Liverpool are content to let Arsenal have the ball and time outside their defensive third, packing numbers back and maintaining shape.

Arsenal are trying to pick the lock, nudging the ball about round the edge of the penalty area.

Getty Images

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

The benefit of the doubt should go to the attacker and that was close enough for Aaron Ramsey to be onside. The goal looked OK to me.

DISALLOWED GOAL

The big Arsenal flags behind the goal start swirling, but so does the linesman's.

Santi Cazorla's throughball picks out the run of Aaron Ramsey into the box and the Welshman slides a cool finish past Simon Mignolet.

His celebrations are cut short and replays suggest it should have stood.

A let-off.

Reuters

CLOSE!

Arsenal go close now. Alexis Sanchez nods just over the top from a precise cross from Nacho Monreal.

Both defences are looking flimsy.

Reuters

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

I'm not too sure Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be too impressed about the way that Emre Can has run at his defence and played in Christian Benteke. That was too easy. A really good start from Liverpool - you don't normally see teams coming here and playing such a high line.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Opta

So close as Phiippe Coutinho smashes the ball against the bar...

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Arsenal are looking as weak as school-break squash in midfield.

Francis Coquelin needs to get a grip or call in reinforcements.

Hits woodwork!

Liverpool so close to an opening goal.

Christian Benteke strides down the inside left channel and in behind the Arsenal defence.

His cut-back is pinpoint, Philippe Coutinho's shot is firm, but it thuds off the underside of the bar and away past a beaten Petr Cech.

Benteke wasted a good opening moments before stubbing a shot wide after good work from Emre Can.

Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool have set out their stall early on. They are narrow and compact with James Milner, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva staying busy in front of defence.

Getty Images

KICK-OFF

We are up and running.

Kick-off imminent

Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers are the two longest-serving managers in the Premier League.

What a world.

Liverpool to get us underway.

Analysis

Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

Christian Benteke is a focal point for Liverpool. He is going to give them so much more than they had last year.

LINE-UPS

Opta

Opta

Teams in tunnel

Atmosphere building, an autumnal nip in the air.

And here are the teams in the tunnel.

James Milner at the head of the Liverpool queue for the first time in the absence of Jordan Henderson.

Petr Cech strapped into his headguard and looking focused.

Here is the cast list...

Get Involved

Francisco from Burnham via text:  It's got to be 'Sir' Les Ferdinand leaving the Superhoops to go to Newcastle. Heartbreaker.

On the back of the news One Direction are taking a break we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via  #my1Dmoment  on Twitter, on the  BBC MOTD Facebook page , or on  81111  on text from UK mobiles.  

Olivier Giroud

Speaking on Radio 5 live the Daily Mirror's John Cross speaks about the Arsenal striker who starts for the Gunners tonight

Reuters

Pounds Sterling

Getty Images

Arsene Wenger rarely does out-right rage, but simmering grudges and resentment? That's far more his style.

Asked about Liverpool's Raheem Sterling moving to Manchester City in the summer, the Frenchman - who has complained about "financial doping" in the past and seen Kolo Toure, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy make similar moves - was not about to express outrage on the Reds' behalf.

"They refused to sell us Luis Suarez, so I cannot feel too much sympathy. Liverpool are in a position that they can make their own decisions," he said.

Meow.

Get Involved

Getty Images

Martin Samuda: When Gazza stretchered off, Pearce scores from resulting free kick in 91.

Liam Nield: The day David Beckham left Man Utd. Thought we'd never replace him, but signed a certain Cristiano Ronaldo to wear his number 7.

Rob Crowther:@themichaelowen my boyhood hero and favourite player, I went on holiday and came back to find he had left and joined Real Madrid.  

On the back of the news One Direction are taking a break we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via #my1Dmoment on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.  

Ozil on the boil

.

Was there ever as 'Arsenal' a player as Mesut Ozil?

That is what the critics were asking this time last year. A gossamer touch, a showy jink, but too often too little end product. Especially in the biggest games.

The German international has looked the part this season though. He misplaced just one of his 55 passes in the Gunners' win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Can you beat Lawro?

Don't forget you have until kick off to predict tonight's score in our predictor game here. Ready, steady, go.

Beware Benteke

.

Get Involved

Getty Images

Max Alderson: When Lambert left Bristol Rovers for Southampton for a measly £1m.

Mark Goddard: When Henry left Arsenal I had just ordered a new kit with his name on the back. Man from club shop phoned in tears to tell me. 

Nathan Rowley: Saying goodbye to Gianfranco Zola. A true genius, fantastic man and role model!

One Direction are reportedly taking a one-year break.So, tonight, we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via #my1Dmoment on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.  

Analysis

What worries me about Arsenal is Francis Coquelin. What a gamble to put all that pressure on that young man's shoulders as he now the main defensive-minded midfielder at the club.

Daily Mirror journalist John Cross on BBC Radio 5 live

Arsenal v Liverpool (20:00 BST)

Getty Images

Dominate to accumulate

Getty

Judging from Brendan Rodgers' pre-match press conference last week, Liverpool's focus will be on keeping a third successive clean sheet of the season and avoiding a repeat of April's 4-1 wipeout in north London.

Anything more will be a bonus.

"We know that we've got that ability to scrap and fight as well as play good football," he said.

"If you assess Arsenal's last 10 games they've lost at home, the teams that have won have averaged four shots on target, with 43% possession. 

"It tells you that you can go there and you don't need to dominate the ball, but you can dominate the space."

This does not sound pretty.

Get Involved

Getty

Pat from Glasgow via text: Henrik Larsson's farewell seemed the end of an era at Celtic and very emotional. As was Martin O'Neill's departure a year later.

Jake Thorne via text: When Xabi Alonso left Liverpool, biggest mistake Benitez made.

Mike Malone via text: Ian Rush to Juventus. Cried my little 10 year old heart out. Vowed we would never be the same again. Next season Barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge, Houghton and Mcmahon. What did I know?   

On the back of the news One Direction are taking a break we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via #my1Dmoment on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.  

Manager view

Getty

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports: "Firmino is a full international player and this is the perfect stage for him. Lucas is out best defensive midfield players, this is a good game for him to come into."

Manager view

Getty Images

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "I expect to play against a quality team, maybe they will be a bit more cautious, I don't know."

Looking sharp

Apropos of nothing, here is Roy Keane earlier this month:

"There’s too many Arsenal players interested in selfies and six-packs.

"Instead of focusing on winning Premier League titles, it’s all about how their bodies look, how their hair is, more so than winning football matches."

Inside the dressing rooms

Get Involved

foto2021:  was when world class playmaker Xabi Alonso left Liverpool, starting years of decline.

Richard Richards:  Bakary Sako leaving Wolves, the guy was in tears.

Carol Ann Wood:  Zola, Drogba & Lamps in modern times. Bonetti, Ossie and Wisey in the past. It always hurts. I always cry.

One Direction are reportedly taking a one-year break. So, tonight, we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via  #my1Dmoment  on Twitter, on the  BBC MOTD Facebook page , or on  81111  on text from UK mobiles.  

Team news

Arsenal make two changes from the team which beat Crystal Palace as defenders Gabriel and Calum Chambers come in for centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. Mertesacker is ill and Koscielny has a back injury. 

Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerín, Gabriel, Chambers, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud 

Liverpool give playmaker Roberto Firmino his first start as part of three changes. Midfielders Emre Can and Lucas Leiva also start as Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, who are injured, miss out along with the benched Jordan Ibe. 

Liverppol XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez, Milner, Can, Lucas, Firmino, Coutinho, Benteke

Skrtel as first scorer?

Getty Images

So will there be some aerial wobbles in the Arsenal defence?

Petr Cech's rush from goal precipitated their slide to opening-day defeat to West Ham, while Calum Chambers and Gabriel in front of him are a second-choice pairing.

Christian Benteke,all six foot three inches of him, might fancy his chances of ruffling some feathers.

And he won't be the only one. Martin Skrtel has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games against Arsenal.

You can listen to build-up to tonight's match on BBC Radio 5 live on the radio and online from 19:00 BST and full commentary from 20:00 BST.

Guests include former Leicester striker Steve Claridge, BBC commentator Conor Mcnamara and the Daily Mirror's John Cross.

Phil's view

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Big encouragement for Liverpool as the Arsenal team-sheet lands minus first-choice central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. The German is unwell while Koscielny has a back problem - leaving Callum Chambers and Gabriel to deal with the threat of Christian Benteke.

Lucas may well be on his way out at Liverpool but not just yet. He replaces Jordan Henderson, who has a foot injury, while £29m buy from Hoffenheim Roberto Firmino gets the chance to show what he can do on his first full Premier League start.

5 live commentary

BBC Radio 5 Live

Click on the audio icon to get across 5 live's coverage of tonight's action.

Team news

Arsenal make two changes with changes to both centre-backs. Out go Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker and in come Gabriel and Calum Chambers.

Team news

Roberto Firmino makes his first Liverpool start with Emre Can and Lucas Leiva in to firm up midfield.

Mario on his way?

Getty

So Karim Benzema won't be heading to the Premier League by the looks of it...

And Mario Balotelli's latest scrape with the English top-flight looks like it is near an end. 

Discussions are at an advanced stage for the 25-year-old to return to AC Milan on loan. He joined Liverpool in a £16m deal from the Rossoneri 12 months ago.

"Some love does not die, they do laps and return. I and the president are romantic people," purred AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Get Involved

Steven Jerjian: Gerrard synonymous with LFC for my entire life as a football fan. Tho maybe his time had come, was still emotional to see him go.

Yvonne Holden: When Ray (Butch) Wilkins last left Chelsea, wore black for a month.

Sam France: I cried for 14 days and 14 nights when Patrick Bamford's loan at Boro ended.

One Direction are reportedly taking a one-year break.  And the smart money says that they won't be coming back.

So, tonight, we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world? Let us know via  #my1Dmoment  on Twitter, on the  BBC MOTD Facebook page , or on  81111  on text from UK mobiles.  

Benzema staying at Real Madrid

Earlier today, Italian football writer Emanuele Giulianelli had some hot transfer gossip for Arsenal fans...

...a few hours later, a certain French striker had a big bucket of cold water to pour on the flames.

It is going to take a U-turn of Delph proportions for Benzema to turn up at the Emirates now.

Phil's view

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Arsenal's meeting with Liverpool at The Emirates tonight will tell us much more about two teams with designs - at the very least on the top four in the Premier League.

"Liverpool have not been entirely convincing and yet have recorded two wins and two clean sheets against Stoke City and Bournemouth while Arsenal bounced back from a shock home defeat to West Ham United in their opening game with victory at Crystal Palace.

"There will be a psychological blow delivered by the victors according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who will hope for better fortune than the 4-1 thrashing handed out here by Arsenal last season."

Rainy in north London

Get Involved

PA

Clear the front page. Panic-buy tissues. Stuff some ear plugs down your lugholes.

If you haven't heard, and I reckon you probably have, One Direction are reportedly taking a one-year break. And the smart money says that they won't be coming back.

So, tonight, we want to know which parting of ways seemed like the end of your footballing world?

Was Cesc Fabregas's Barcelona move the hardest goodbye?

Did Fernando Torres break your heart when he upped sticks for Chelsea?

Let us know via #my1Dmoment on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.

Vote

Simple one this.

Which of tonight's two teams will finish higher in the league come May?

Let us know your thoughts via the vote tab at the top of this page on mobile or on the right on desktop.

The vote will run from 18:30 until half-time, with results to follow soon after.

5 live commentary

BBC Radio 5 Live

Mark Chapman, Conor McNamara and Steve Claridge are the 5 live team bringing you all the action from the Emirates this evening.

They can talk faster than I can type. And you can listen to them via the live coverage tab at the top of this page from 19:00 BST.

Tales of the tables

BBC

If Arsenal lose tonight, their pre-season talk of a genuine title bid will have to be set against a six-point deficit to Manchester City.

Victory would put Liverpool six points ahead of the Gunners, five ahead of Chelsea and two ahead of Manchester United in the chase for Champions League spots.

Early days, but this is a chance for Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers to lay some leather on one of their main rivals.

BBC

Mind the gap

Getty

One hundred and five.

That is how many points each Premier League team have left to fight for this season once the dust settles on tonight's action.

But after an intriguing start to the season, there are some chunky gaps opening up among those with top-four aspirations.