Image source, Opta

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

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

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

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.

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.

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We are up and running.

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

What a world.

Liverpool to get us underway.

Steve Claridge
BBC Radio 5 live at Emirates Stadium

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...

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, external  on Twitter, on the  BBC MOTD Facebook page, external , or on  81111  on text from UK mobiles.  

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

Image source, Reuters

Image source, 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.

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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, external 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, external on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, external, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.  

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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.

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

Image source, 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, external on Twitter, on the BBC MOTD Facebook page, external, or on 81111 on text from UK mobiles.