Here we go then with another instalment on The Big Match Live, your chance to interact on the talking points that arise as a result of another epic clash within the English Premier League. This time around, we will be covering Liverpool's match against Arsenal!
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I've heard some Scorum writers state that Liverpool already have "one hand on the trophy". I think it might be a little bit early in the piece to claim that they are that close but a win tonight followed by a result against City next week would put them in a position of real strength going into 2019.
A chance to right former wrongs......
Of course, this isn't the first time that Liverpool have found themselves in the rarified air at the top of the league come Christmas. In fact, they've been there 3 times before but to date have yet to lift the PL trophy come May.
The Spice Boys Fall Short
In 1996/97, modern club legends Robbie Fowler and Steve Mcmanaman helped lead Liverpool to the top of the league at Christmas
However, they ultimately ran out of gas and finished a disappointing 4th behind eventual winners Man Utd who claimed the title with a record low number of points.
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Impeccable United Pip Liverpool to Title
In 2007, then manager Rafa Benítez claimed that if his side were top at Christmas they were 80% of the way to winning the title. Unfortunately, Man United had different ideas and ended up winning the league by 4 points.
For their part, a Liverpool side that included the likes of Torres and Mascherano alongside captain Gerrard did very little wrong and were beaten just twice in the entire season 2.
The Slip Felt Around the World
An agonising slip from Liverpool stalwart Steven Gerrard cost his side against Chelsea in the 2013/14 season, a result that was then followed up with a disastrous night against Crystal Palace. Perhaps Palace's shock victory against City is a means of atoning for the pain they inflicted on the Merseysiders that night?
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Which reaction will Liverpool fans see come the end of this season?
Match Previews and Predictions
Unai Emry witnessed the ovation Sarri enjoyed from being the man to end City's unbeaten run this season, and this is the perfect time for him to attain an even higher glory by defeating Liverpool. On the other side, Klopp understands Liverpool's history of dropping from the top after Christmas, and he wants to prove to the world that it's not his fate too. With a six-point gap, a win against Arsenal will be a big boost. Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal.
Arsenal are not even close to Liverpool this year and we should not look at this game like a match between equals. Klopp understands that this is a crucial game before the match against City next week and I am sure that he will have no problem inspiring Liverpool players to achieve a victory. Also, with Van Dijk and Alisson, Liverpool don't look like a team that would slip during clutch moments. As for Arsenal, they look poor lately, especially in defence. Prediction: Liverpool 3:0 Arsenal
I'd expect Liverpool to come out the traps very quickly in the first 20mins and I would be surprised if we didn't see an early goal. Arsenal for their part just need to try and hang on and get a foothold in the game. That is going to be difficult against a Liverpool team that are in great form and have an impressive record against Arsenal in recent years. I think we'll get goals in this one but more of them will end up in Arsenal's net. Prediction 3:1 Liverpool
Team News
Liverpool 0 - 1 Arsenal 11mins
Lovren gives the ball away Iwobi drives forward before finding Maitland-Niles is waiting at the back post to tap it into the back of the net.
That's his first senior goal for Arsenal
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Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal 14mins
Well that didn't take long! We are back to where we started as the ball bounces favourably in the Arsenal area and Firmino is left with the simplest of finishes to draw the home side level
He's now Liverpool's 2nd all time leading scorer against the Gunners in the EPL behind only Robbie Fowler.
Liverpool 2 - 1 Arsenal 16mins
He's now even closer to that Folwer record and what a goal it is from Firmino who weaves his way through the Arsenal defence before placing his shot in the back of the net. What a goal and what a game! The kind of turnaround you'd expect from champions?
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Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal 32mins
Where has Arsenal's defence gone? They step up to try and play offside but Sadio Mane beats the trap and the keeper to score.
Mane and Firmino are on the scoresheet, surely Salah will be looking to wet his sizeable beak at some point too?
Granit Xhaka possible red card 34mins
Xhaka who is known as having a bit of temper on him goes clattering into Andy Roberston and is rightfully booked. The midfielder's blood then boils right over as he kicks the ball away and is lucky to avoid another immediate yellow followed by red. Will that be a defining moment?
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Liverpool 4 - 1 Arsenal 45mins
Alisson hasn't scored (sorry writingamigo) but he has created another goal for his team. His clearance upfield sets Salah away and he weaves into the box before being hacked at from behind by Sokratis. Stonewall penalty which Salah gets up to smash home himself.
Liverpool are rampant! This could get messy!
Liverpool 5 - 1 Arsenal 64mins
Another penalty ends a 20min drought without a goal!
Kolasinac elbows/pushes Lovren in the back right in front of ref. The Arsenal defenders onlt reaction is to smile about! Don't think supporters will be laughing mate!
Firmino completes his hattrick
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