Arsenal vs Liverpool live: Both sides looking for breakthrough in cagey Premier League clash

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Arsenal and Liverpool played out a tense, high-stakes Premier League clash at the Emirates, framed as a potential turning point in the title race. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal came in as league leaders, five points clear of Manchester City and on a run of five straight league wins, having most recently edged Bournemouth 3-2 thanks to a brace from Declan Rice.[1] Liverpool, under Arne Slot, arrived as reigning champions but 14 points adrift of Arsenal after back-to-back draws against Fulham and Leeds, results that had increased pressure on Slot to deliver a statement performance.[1]

The article sets the scene by stressing Arsenal’s recent history of near-misses: consistent campaigns but three consecutive second-place finishes, making this season’s strong position feel especially critical.[1] Home advantage at a packed Emirates, plus sustained momentum, gave the Gunners a quiet confidence, even as their recent head-to-head record with Liverpool suggested another tight contest; four of the last six league meetings had ended in draws, with one win apiece in the others.[1]

Liverpool’s form was portrayed as more fragile. Although Slot’s side were unbeaten in eight league games, their inability to turn dominance into wins – exemplified by Harrison Reed’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Fulham – had stalled their chase.[1] Team news added to the uncertainty: there were doubts over Hugo Ekiteke due to a hamstring problem, Alexander Isak remained a long-term absentee, and star forward Mohamed Salah was still on international duty with Egypt, leaving Liverpool’s attack short of its usual focal point.[1]

With Arsenal eyeing a statement win to reinforce their title credentials and Liverpool desperate to reassert themselves as genuine contenders, the match was billed as a blockbuster, cagey encounter where a single breakthrough could significantly reshape the dynamics at the top of the table.[1]