Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points but were held to a goalless draw in a frustrating encounter with Liverpool.
With their nearest rivals for the title, Manchester City, dropping points on Wednesday, Arsenal had the opportunity to pull further ahead but failed to capitalise at the Emirates Stadium.
The home side looked impressive over the first 20 minutes of the first half and forced Liverpool to defend deep. More than once the visitors scrambled to keep them at bay but the league leaders lacked ruthlessness in the final third.
It was Liverpool who came closest to a winner when an error between David Raya and William Saliba sent the ball to Conor Bradley. He chipped the goalkeeper and struck the crossbar. Liverpool then secured themselves at the back and looked strong in the second half.
The champions controlled the possession throughout the final 45 minutes but without Alexander Isak, Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike lacked creativity up front. A worry for Arne Slot came in the dying moments as Bradley was stretchered off with an injury marking a sad end to a well earned draw.
Relive the action from the Emirates with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Liverpool live
- REPORT: Gabriel Martinelli’s shameful moment leaves sour taste in Arsenal and Liverpool’s drab draw
- ANALYSIS: Arne Slot’s borrowed tactics confounds Arsenal and provides glimpse at more stable future
- 90' SHOT! Martinelli sends a curling effort into the hands of Alisson (ARS 0-0 LIV)
- 36' CLOSE! Trossard's shot is deflected wide (ARS 0-0 LIV)
- 27' CROSSBAR! Bradley lobs Raya but strikes the woodwork (ARS 0-0 LIV)
Gabriel Martinelli’s shameful moment leaves sour taste in Arsenal and Liverpool’s drab draw
22:37 , Miguel Delaney at Emirates StadiumArsenal wanted a statement, but there won’t be much more said about this 0-0 draw with Liverpool at all - outside the controversy surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s shameful moment. It was perhaps surprising that Arne Slot's players didn't respond with even greater fury after he pushed a clearly injured Conor Bradley off the pitch.
It was otherwise very much like the game in August, except without a moment of magic to settle it, or pretty much any creativity at all.
Martinelli’s shameful moment leaves sour taste in Arsenal and Liverpool’s drab draw
Arteta on Martinelli trying to push Bradley off the pitch:
22:44 , Mike Jones"Probably he doesn't know because knowing Gabi, there is zero intention.
"I don't know what happened to Conor, but hopefully it's not bad, but obviously, there is no intention from Gabi to do anything bad to him."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports:
22:40 , Mike Jones"We know that the margins are very small. I think we have two different halves.
"The first one, where we have a lot of domination, created big situations with players almost onside the six-yard box to pick a player up, and we didn't find the right pass to score the goal. And the second half was a bit more of a struggle.
"This game needs some magic moments, and at Anfield, [Dominik] Szoboszlai did it, and they won the game, and today it didn't happen, but you cannot win it, you cannot lose it.
"We have some moments where we have the right positional advantages to really hurt them, and then when we got into these areas, we lacked quality to pick the players.
"We've come from a very demanding schedule. The last six games that we've played in this Christmas period, and we've come out of that in a really strong position."
Arne Slot’s borrowed tactics confounds Arsenal and provides glimpse at more stable future
22:36 , Richard Jolly at Emirates StadiumArne Slot had waited 18 months for a stalemate and then two came in consecutive Thursdays. The cliché is that they arrived like London buses; the accusation will be that this was Liverpool parking the bus.
For Slot, the manager who said it was “hard to hear” that Liverpool had been branded dull and boring, a game that was hard to watch was at least a proof of prowess.
Extending an unbeaten run to 10 games showed a more solid reboot has been a qualified success. A damage-limitation exercise was executed with a studied competence.
Arne Slot’s borrowed tactics confounds Arsenal and provides glimpse at stable future
Neville 'fuming' at Martinelli
22:26 , Mike JonesOver on Sky Sports, Gary Neville spoke about the Martinelli/Bradley incident.
He said: “I'm actually fuming with Martinelli.
“Honestly, I don't know how the Liverpool players didn't go over there and whack him, to be honest with you and take a red card.
“Absolutely disgraceful, that.”
Arsenal and Liverpool draw at Emirates
22:05 , Mike JonesMost onlookers will label that match a forgettable one.
It was two sides afraid of losing battling it out with each other mainly in midfield.
There were a few moments of imagination but too little for either team to force a winner.
Full-time! Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:56 , Mike JonesThe points are shared at the Emirates Stadium.
Little chances, defensive stabilites and what seems to be a bad injury for Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.
Arsenal fail to take advantage of dropped points around them but they are lead by six points again.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:54 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Conor Bradley is subbed off.
He slips on the wet turf and twists over his left ankle near the left hand touchline.
Bradley goes down and Martinelli tries to fling him off the pitch and save time.
The Liverpool players are, obviously, not happy with that and square up to him.
The referee regains control but Bradley in genuinely hurt and is taken off on a stretcher as Joe Gomez comes on.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:49 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Gabriel Martinelli dances into the box from the left and shoots but his curling effort is scooped up by Alisson.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:47 , Mike Jones88 mins: Just a couple of minutes left in the 90 now. Liverpool will be happier with this point but it’ll be a third draw in a row for Arne Slot’s men.
The Reds have looked a lot more secure tonight, excluding the opening 20 minutes or so, which is a positive step to build on.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:43 , Mike Jones85 mins: The minutes are ticking away here and it doesn’t look as though either team will get the three points.
Lewis-Skelly does well to spin out of a tackle and poke the ball up to Martinelli.
He’s offside though and the ball is awarded back to Liverpool.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:40 , Mike Jones82 mins: Liverpool win another free kick within shooting range and Sozobszlai takes it again.
This effort is better but skims the top of the crossbar and goes over the top.
David Raya seemed to have it covered.
Can anyone deliver a winner?
21:39 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates StadiumIt looks like this will be 0-0, but the same could have been said at the same stage at Anfield in August only for Dominik Szoboszlai to deliver a wonderful winner. Can anyone do likewise?
“Arsenal's subs show they have the greater ambition - and the greater strength in depth - but this has been Liverpool's best spell of the game.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:38 , Mike Jones78 mins: Timber makes a forward run and chests down an aerial ball before flicking it round the corner to Noni Madueke.
The substitute whips in a pass but there’s no one in the box to receive it and Liverpool clear their lines.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:33 , Mike Jones75 mins: Frimpong has plenty of space over on the right wing and looks to come inside only to face a whole Arsenal back line.
He holds the ball up and lets his teammates catch up. Liverpool are happy playing with possession but they’re not creating anything or forcing David Raya into saves.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:30 , Mike Jones72 mins: Less than 20 minutes of play to go. Arsenal are growing increasingly frustrated at their lack of control.
Liverpool seem the more likely to go on and win from here.
A draw would benefit both teams so as things stand it’s not a terrible result for either.
Arsenal suffer latest defensive injury blow as Piero Hincapie hobbles off against Liverpool
21:26 , Mike JonesArsenal’s defensive injury woes will not let up with Piero Hincapie limping off in the second half of their mammoth Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Hincapie was noticed hobbling over to take a throw on near the managers’ technical area, with Mikel Arteta approaching the Ecuadorian to check on him.
Arsenal suffer latest defensive injury blow as Hincapie hobbles off against Liverpool
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:23 , Mike Jones66 mins: Arteta does call for the changes and brings on the Gabriels.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli jog onto the pitch to replace Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard.
There’s more pace in the Gunners’ forward line now.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:20 , Mike Jones63 mins: Yes!
But, the result is awful. A miscue from the Liverpool midfielder sends the effort high and wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:19 , Mike Jones62 mins: Mikel Arteta must be thinking about more changes and tactical ones this time.
Liverpool are beginning to take control of this game and win themselves a free kick as Mac Allister is brough down inside Arsenal’s half.
Dominik Szoboszlai is standing over the set piece, will he shoot?
Arsenal have a more attacking left-back
21:19 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates Stadium
Bringing on Lewis-Skelly for Hincapie gives Arsenal a more attacking left back.
“Although some might say the best way of improving their attack would be to take Gyokeres off.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:17 , Mike Jones60 mins: Myles Lewis-Skelly comes on to the pitch now to replace Piero Hincapie who has taken a knock and headed down the tunnel.
Can he make an impact on this game? It’s still all there to be decided.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:15 , Mike Jones57 mins: Trossard carries the ball up to the edge of the box and flicks it into the area.
Martin Zubimendi runs into the area and looks to control the ball but doesn’t do it properly.
Behind him Saka was wide open and looks heartbroken that his teammate didn’t let the ball run through to him.
It would have been a clear chance for Saka.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:12 , Mike Jones54 mins: Liverpool have started the second half a lot better than they did the first.
There’s more directness and more assuredness from the visitors.
Arsenal won’t like that.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:11 , Mike Jones51 mins: Frimpong bursts forward and brings down an aerial ball only to get checked by Hincapie.
The Arsenal defence flocks back into position but Liverpool keep possession and look to build another attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:06 , Mike Jones48 mins: Florian Wirtz weaves his way into the Arsenal box and eventually gets tackle by Trossard.
The Liverpool man wants a penalty and there is a VAR check going on. It’ll be a harsh one if given.
No, no penalty but positive signs for Liverpool.
Second half! Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
21:03 , Mike JonesMartin Odegaard gets the ball moving once again at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta will have stressed the urgency and need to win this game.
They’ve been the better team, can they go over the line?
HT Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:59 , Mike JonesAs things stand Arsenal will extend their lead at the top of the table to six points but they’ll be wanting another couple to give themselves a cushion on Man City.
Liverpool need a result to bring the back the feel good factor. They can’t lose this match and a win will boost their confidence.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:55 , Mike JonesArsenal had more possession in the first half with near 60% of the ball.
They created six chances with two on target in comparison to Liverpool’s three (none on target).
The xG of both sides was poor though. 0.3 for the Gunners and 0.14 for the Reds.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:51 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:47 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: The whistle goes and the teams head down the tunnel.
Both Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot will feel improvements can be made.
Arsenal have the stronger bench and that could be a factor in the closing stages of this game.
All to play for still.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:45 , Mike Jones45 mins: Arsenal have been better value over this first half but chances, true chances, have been few and far between.
Liverpool have done well to keep the match on level terms and will be aiming to get into the break without conceding.
Two minutes of added time to play.
Arsenal are getting the better of Liverpool
20:43 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates StadiumArsenal have very much got the better of Liverpool on their right flank where Bukayo Saka is troubling Milos Kerkez and Jurrien Timber is getting forward well.
“The challenge is to turn it into chances.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:43 , Mike Jones42 mins: Arsenal look to come down the right wing again but this time Liverpool have men back to defend and there’s no space for the hosts to run into.
Liverpool recover the ball and then win themselves a free kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:39 , Mike Jones39 mins: Frimpong is receiving treatment after a tackle from Hincapie which twisted his left ankle.
Play resumes with Arsenal’s corner but Liverpool deal with it.
The Gunners collect the second ball and push forward with Hincapie winning a throw in on the left side of the pitch.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:37 , Mike Jones36 mins: Nearly!
Rice slips the ball into the feet of Trossard who checks to the right inside the box and takes a shot.
It’s low and looks to be heading on target before a deflection takes it wide of the far post.
Things are heating up too. Rice and Virgil van Dijk square up to each other.
Jeremie Frimpong was down during that play and Van Dijk thinks the play should have been stopped.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:32 , Mike Jones33 mins: Saka stays down after a challenge from Kerkez.
The Liverpool defender stood on Saka’s toes but the winger is fine and plays on as Arsenal win another free kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:30 , Mike Jones30 mins: Trossard and Bradley get into a tussle deep in Liverpool’s half with the Arsenal man winning a free kick.
Declan Rice takes the set piece and floats the ball into the area but delivers it straight into the hands of Alisson.
That would have been a brilliant goal
20:29 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates StadiumNot sure Conor Bradley has chipped too many goalkeepers in his career but that was almost a brilliant goal.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:28 , Mike Jones27 mins: Oh! This is Liverpool’s best moment in the game.
A quick break sees the visitors go forward through Conor Bradley who feeds it to Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong loses the ball and Saliba fizzes a pass back to David Raya. It strikes him and bounces out to Bradley.
Raya is off his line and Bradley lobs him only for his effort to hit the crossbar!
The ball then comes to Gakpo and his own effort is blocked and cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:24 , Mike Jones24 mins: Ryan Gravenberch tries to swing the momentum.
He receives a pass from Alexis Mac Allister and spins towards goal after a loose control off the ball.
His run takes him to the edge of the box and he shoots only for the effort to get blocked.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:21 , Mike Jones21 mins: Another sublimly threaded pass from William Saliba sends Jurrien Timber free on the right wing.
The right-back hangs a cross into the box but just misses out on finding Trossard I think, over by the back post.
Liverpool are under the pump a bit, Arsenal are going through the gears and are looking dangerous.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:17 , Mike Jones18 mins: Liverpool are under pressure.
Tricky footwork from Bukayo Saka sees him finds some space on the right and fizz in a cut back.
He can’t find a teammate but the home fans are certainly excited about that. The noise level inside the ground has risen.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: A bit of possession for Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard slips it to the edge of the box for Piero Hincapie who can’t quite control the ball.
The Gunners regain possession and switch it over to the right side of the pitch. Liverpool have plenty of men back to defend and there’s no way through for this probing attack.
A note on the weather
20:14 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates StadiumThe rain is gathering on Mikel Arteta's coat.
“Arne Slot's seems more water absorbent.
“Advantage Liverpool in the jackets for the dampest of nights, perhaps.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:12 , Mike Jones12 mins: Milos Kerkez sticks close to Bukayo Saka who brings the ball down the right flank.
Kerkez’s block brings Arsenal a corner which Saka swings inot the middle.
Alisson punches the ball away and almost kick starts a counter attack only for Trossard to earn a yellow card for pulling the shirt of the breaking Liverpool man.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Jurrien Timber makes an underlapping run into the Liverpool box and is fed the ball.
He looks to square it across the middle but only picks out Alisson.
A worrying moment for Liverpool as they were easily cut open bu that move.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: It’s already evident that the ball is skidding off the turf and that will only get worse.
A poor clearance from Alisson gives the ball away to Leandro Trossard who slips a pass up to Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres lets it run, making no attempt to collect the ball as he realises he was in an offside position.
Wirtz is the false nine
20:04 , Richard Jolly at the Emirates StadiumIt is Wirtz as a false nine.
“Which was not the plan when Liverpool spent £200m on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
“Isak, of course, seemed to have an admirer in Mikel Arteta, who instead signed the cheaper Viktor Gyokeres.
“The Swede may not be better than Isak but he has at least been fitter.”
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:03 , Mike Jones3 mins: Liverpool try to get a foothold inside the Arsenal half through these opening minutes without much joy.
In each move forward they’ve been held firm by the Arsenal defence and have been forced to retreat in order to build another attack.
The weather is horrid. Pouring down and very windy.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
20:01 , Mike JonesLiverpool get the ball rolling at the Emirates Stadium and work it over to the left side of the pitch.
Cody Gakpo has started out on the left with Florian Wirtz in the central position for the visitors.
Closing in on kick-off
19:57 , Will CastleThe players are lining up in the tunnel... and with the Emirates light show concluded, here they come!
All the action, up next.
Playmakers to watch
19:50 , Mike JonesOnly Bruno Fernandes has been involved in more open play sequences ending in a shot in the Premier League this season (116) than Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (103), while, per 90 minutes, of players to play 1,000+ minutes, only Jeremy Doku (7.2) and Fernandes again (7.1) have been involved in more than Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (6.4) in the competition this season.
Final preparations
19:49 , Will Castle
Four in a row for Saka?
19:45 , Mike JonesBukayo Saka has scored in each of his last three Premier League home games against Liverpool.
In their league history, no Arsenal player has ever scored in four consecutive home games against the Reds before.
Gakpo to impress for Liverpool
19:40 , Mike JonesCody Gakpo has scored three away league goals this season, all of which have come in his last four league appearances in London (goals at Chelsea, West Ham, and Fulham).
He had only scored four goals in his first 18 Premier League games in the capital before this.
Gakpo could become the second different Liverpool player to score in four different away matches in London in a Premier League season, after Mo Salah (twice – 2017-18 and 2020-21).
Arsenal vs the champions
19:35 , Mike JonesArsenal have won their last two home Premier League matches against the reigning champions, beating Man City in both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
They last did so in three consecutive league seasons between 1961-62 and 1963-64, when they beat Spurs, Ipswich and Everton.
Boring, boring Arsenal? No – that’s Liverpool’s role now
19:30 , Richard JollyIt may be a role reversal, in more ways than one. Last season, Liverpool were the champions, Arsenal the team that finished with a double-digit deficit to them. Now the champions-elect boast a 14-point advantage over their rivals, which could become 17 this evening. In August, when they last met, Mikel Arteta was accused of being overly cautious in his side’s 1-0 defeat.
Boring, boring Arsenal, to borrow the chant from the 1990s? It is harder to make that case when they have found the net in each of their subsequent 26 matches, have been outscored only by Manchester City in the Premier League and average almost three goals per game in the Champions League.
Now the accusation is a twist on a theme. Boring, boring Liverpool?
Arsenal's winning streak
19:25 , Mike JonesArsenal have won their last seven home Premier League matches – only once under Mikel Arteta have they had a longer home league winning run, winning 10 consecutively between April and December 2022.
Completing the set
19:20 , Mike JonesThis will be the first ever Premier League game between Arsenal and Liverpool on a Thursday, with their last Thursday league meeting coming at Anfield in December 1947 (3-1 win for Arsenal).
The Reds will be just the second team Arsenal have faced on all seven days of the week in the Premier League after Southampton.
Wirtz as a false nine?
19:16 , Richard Jolly at the EmiratesIt looks like Florian Wirtz may be playing as a false nine for Liverpool tonight.
“The alternative is that he is on the left while Cody Gakpo plays as a striker.
“Either way, there is no Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool.”
Should we expect goals?
19:15 , Mike JonesArsenal have conceded in each of their last 20 Premier League games against Liverpool since a 0-0 draw in August 2015.
Only against Man Utd (30 between 1953 and 1968) and Tottenham (24 between 1955 and 1967) have they had a longer run without a clean sheet in their league history.
Will Liverpool win again?
19:10 , Mike JonesLiverpool are looking to complete the Premier League double over Arsenal for the eighth time, and first since 2021-22.
Their seven ‘doubles’ is already the most any side has against the Gunners in the competition.
Bad signs for Arsenal
19:05 , Mike JonesAgainst no side have Arsenal lost more Premier League games than they have against Liverpool (26, level with Man Utd).
Viktor Gyokeres should be dropped by Arsenal, says Jamie Carragher
19:00 , Chris WilsonEx-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has suggested that either Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz should be Arsenal’s starting striker from now on, labelling both options “a better player” than Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres joined the club for £55m in the summer in a signing that many felt could prove to be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal, though the Sweden striker hasn’t quite managed to settle at the Emirates, scoring just five goals in 17 Premier League appearances so far.
Viktor Gyokeres should be dropped by Arsenal, says Jamie Carragher
Liverpool touch down at the Emirates
18:58 , Will Castle
Arsenal arrivals
18:57 , Will Castle
Arsenal vs Liverpool team changes
18:55 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta makes two changes to the Arsenal team that faced Bournemouth in their last match.
Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka come back into the forward line replacing Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
For Liverpool, Arne Slot makes one change with Jeremie Frimpong starting ahead of Curtis Jones.
Hugo Ekitike misses out through injury as expected.
Arsenal line-up against Liverpool
18:48 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 8, 2026
⚡ Saka on the wing
🪄 Trossard on the opposite flank
😤 Gyokeres leads the charge
Let's do this, Gunners ✊
Presented by @deel 🤝
Liverpool line up to face Arsenal
18:47 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo
Team news is in for tonight's clash against Arsenal 💪 #ARSLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 8, 2026
Almost time for the line-ups
18:42 , Mike JonesWe’re just a few minutes away from the full team line-ups dropping for tonight’s main event.
Arsenal vs Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Both teams will select strong starting XI but how many changes, forced or otherwise, will the managers make?
Let’s find out...
Arteta on defensive duo
18:36 , Mike JonesArsenal will be without Cristian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori for this evening’s match against Liverpool but Mikel Arteta is hopeful that both are nearing a return.
"They're out again,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “I think pretty soon (they will return).
“They have to go through the last stage of the rehab, and if everything goes well, hopefully soon they will be available for selection."
Mikel Arteta provides injury updates on Calafiori, Mosquera and Havertz
18:30 , Will CastleMikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s defensive options will remain limited for Thursday’s test of Liverpool with Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori still ruled out.
Mosquera picked up an ankle injury in December that Arteta said would keep the Colombian out for “weeks”, while Calafiori sustained a “very awkward” injury in the build-up to the visit of Brighton.
Arteta confirms double Arsenal injury blow ahead of Liverpool test
Arsenal have a 'point to prove'
18:24 , Mike Jones"Every week we have a point to prove. We had it a few days ago against Bournemouth after a great win against Villa and it's going to continue like that until May,” revealed Mikel Arteta.
“We know that because once we are in the position that we are in, we want to maintain and extend the lead that we have, and in order to do that our level of determination and desire has to be with that mindset.”
Trossard has been 'exceptional'
18:18 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta was also fully in praise of Leandro Trossard’s performances this season and explained how the attacker provides something ‘different’ for the team.
“I think his level of understanding and consistency, he's got ability,” said Arteta.
“But the level of consistency he's showing this season in particular, I think, has been exceptional.
“I think he's really clicking with the team in every aspect of the game and he's a player that provides something different to what we have.”
Arteta on Liverpool
18:12 , Mike JonesIn Wednesday’s pre-match press conference the Arsenal boss gave his thoughts on tonight’s opponents saying:
“The margins I think for all of us are really small, we always talk about that.
“They have a great manager, they have a sensational structure and understanding of what they have to do in relation to the players that they select tomorrow in the line-up.
“They can play in different ways because, at the end, those will make them a little bit different and more specific to what we can expect tomorrow and we have to be conscious of that and focus on what we have to do.“
Arsenal fans 'make a difference'
18:06 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta was full of praise for the Arsenal fans who turn up to the Emirates and support the team each game.
The manager said that the atmosphere they create is a crucial part of Arsenal’s success especially in big games such as against Liverpool tonight.
He said: "It’s a massive game against the champions of the last Premier League and we have a point to prove. We’re going to have our crowd, our supporters, very early.
"[Our supporters] have been unbelievable again this season, and it makes such a difference; we become a different team. The level of energy, commitment, confidence and desire that we can show in every action is transmitted by them, and we need them every game.”
What next for Mohamed Salah? Where Liverpool legend could move after possible Anfield farewell
18:00 , Chris WilsonMohamed Salah’s Anfield future remains uncertain despite his appearance for Liverpool in their win over Brighton, with the club still dealing with the fallout from the winger’s explosive post-match interview last week.
Salah accused the club of throwing him under the bus after the 3-3 draw to Leeds last Saturday, adding that his relationship with Reds manager Arne Slot was broken, and he went as far as to suggest that this weekend’s match could be his last at Anfield.
What next for Salah? Where Liverpool legend could go after possible Anfield farewell
Arsenal 'deserve to be on top' says Slot
17:54 , Mike JonesAnother interesting answer from the Liverpool boss came in his pre-match press conference when he was asked about the strengths that Arsenal have.
Slot said: “Maybe their main strength is they have so many strengths. Or their main strength is they hardly have something that is weak.
“So, they hardly concede goals. They can score from open play, they can score from set-pieces, very good ideas about build-up, can play a long ball.
“They have the complete package and for that reason they, in my opinion, deserve to be on top this season.”
Have Liverpool become boring to watch?
17:48 , Mike Jones“I find it hard to hear [that Liverpool are boring to watch] but it is not that I disagree, I would use a different word but I take it into account,” said Arne Slot.
He added: “I am known for attacking football and we are still trying to do so, but possession doesn’t mean you play attacking football. We are struggling to create a lot of chances but I have said many times we’re not the only team that struggles.
“I don’t think we are creating less than other teams who are doing well. But I don’t like to hear [Liverpool are boring] because I want to play an attractive style of football.
“We have to find a way to play it against teams who don’t want to and that is something we haven’t found enough. We are working on this every day.”
What would victory over Arsenal mean?
17:42 , Mike JonesThat was a question posed to the Liverpool manager who admitted that the Gunners were in a more ‘positive vibe’ than his side.
Arne Slot replied: “It would mean a lot, it tells you you can compete in the latter stages of the FA Cup and Champions League with any other team.
“We have shown that already, we beat Arsenal at home and other games we’ve beaten strong teams, but we also know that it is a special game for them.
“We have to be ready, they are in a positive vibe at the moment and it is obvious we aren’t.”
Ekitike won't 'be out for long'
17:36 , Mike JonesArne Slot did not confirm when Hugo Ekitike would make his return for Liverpool but offered a promising update on the striker ahead of tonight’s clash with Arsenal.
“He’s not trained with us til now,” Slot said on Wednesday morning.
“Let’s see if he can today. I said, two or three days ago when we played Fulham, that he’s not going to be out for long but, because game’s come so fast, he’s in between maybe training with the team or it may take him one or two days extra.”
Arne Slot gives Hugo Ekitike injury update
17:30 , Lawrence OstereHugo Ekitike remains a doubt to face Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday night, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said.
Ekitike is Liverpool’s top goalscorer this season but did not play against Fulham on the weekend after feeling some discomfort in his hamstring.
Arne Slot gives Hugo Ekitike injury update ahead of testing trip to Arsenal
Liverpool early team news
17:24 , Mike JonesDoubts surround Hugo Ekiteke’s involvement on Thursday as the French striker battles a hamstring issue. Alexander Isak is a long-term absentee, while Mohamed Salah is still away on international duty with Egypt.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Jones; Wirtz, Gakpo
Arsenal's early team news
17:18 , Mike JonesRiccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are Mikel Arteta’s only confirmed absentees, after Declan Rice returned so impressively against Bournemouth.
Bukayo Saka is likely to start, having come off the bench against the Cherries.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
How can I watch it?
17:12 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT.
A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.
When is Arsenal vs Liverpool?
17:06 , Mike JonesArsenal vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Thursday 8 January at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
17:00 , Mike JonesPremier League leaders Arsenal welcome champions Liverpool to the Emirates in a blockbuster clash on Thursday night.
The Gunners are riding high at the top of the table after beating Bournemouth 3-2 in their last outing, with Declan Rice scoring twice. The Gunners are on a five-match win streak in the league since their loss to Aston Villa at the start of December.
Liverpool have not won in their last two matches, after being held at home to Leeds and then away at Fulham after Harrison Reed’s sensational stoppage-time equaliser. The Reds are 14 points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.
Dominik Szoboszlai made the difference the last time these two met, back in August at Anfield, with his stunning free-kick securing a 1-0 win for Arne Slot’s side.
Good afternoon!
15:06 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Arsenal play host to Liverpool.
This is a big clash at the top of the table and one which could see the Gunners begin to pull away from the competition as their hunt for their first league title in over 20 years.
Mikel Arteta’s men have a five point lead over Man City in second and could extend that to eight should they defeat their close rivals Liverpool at the Emirates tonight.
Kick off for this one is at 8pm so stick with us as we build-up to this blockbuster clash.
