Liverpool vs Arsenal live score, result, lineups, highlights as Gabriel heads visitors in front

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL — Liverpool and Arsenal are both well-placed to know that being top of the Premier League on Christmas Day ultimately means little.

The Gunners occupied that coveted position only 12 months ago before going on to surrender the title to a resurgent Manchester City.

And the Reds did the very same in the 2020/21 season, a defensive injury crisis ensuring they did not convert their festive position into silverware.

But, meaningless or not, there is no doubt that both sides will be desperate to ensure they sit top of the pile on the big day by claiming victory at Anfield today.

Follow all the action with The Sporting News’ live coverage below.

Liverpool vs Arsenal live score

Lineups:

Liverpool lineup (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas — Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones — Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Arsenal lineup (4-3-3): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko — Odegaard, Rice, Havertz — Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

Liverpool vs Arsenal updates, highlights, and commentary

4th min: ARSENAL TAKE THE LEAD!!!

Anfield is silenced as Gabriel leaps highest to meet an Odegaard free-kick delivery and loop a header beyond a helpless Alisson. 

Arsenal had made a sharp start to this game and now they have their noses in front! What a start.

1st min: Arsenal straight on the front foot here, with Jesus seeing an effort deflected over the bar after the ball falls to him from an awkward Alisson attempt claw a cross away.

Havertz then heads the subsequent corner goalward, but not with enough power to trouble the Liverpool goalkeeper.

KICKOFF: ARSENAL GET US UNDER WAY

5 mins to KO: Here come the players to a cacophony of noise. Klopp’s pep talk to the crowd might just have done the job. 

10 mins to KO: A pre-match reminder that Arsenal’s last win at Anfield came in September 2012, when Mikel Arteta played in midfield in a 2-0 success for the visitors. A victory today really would be a seismic statement from the Gunners.

25 mins to KO: The players are out for their warm-ups and Anfield is filling up nicely. Jurgen Klopp had plenty to say about the atmosphere after the midweek win over West Ham – will he be happier with what he hears from the stands today?

45 mins to KO: So, Jurgen Klopp making a big call in leaving Darwin Nunez on the bench for this one. He will hope the Uruguayan can still have an impact coming in as a substitute.

As for Arsenal, absolutely no surprised they are unchanged from a dominant performance at Brighton.

1 hr to KO: The team news is in! Check out the line ups above or scroll down to see the full squads.

1.5 hrs to KO: Some interesting early team news reaching us, with suggestions that Cody Gakpo is in line for a start up top in place of Darwin Nunez. That would be a big call from Jurgen Klopp.

2 hrs to KO: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of Liverpool vs Arsenal from Anfield. We’re building up to a mouthwatering clash between the Premier League’s top two, with a place at the summit for Christmas Day on the line.

Liverpool vs Arsenal lineups

Liverpool lineup (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas — Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones — Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Nunez, Elliott, Gravenberch, Clark, McConnell, Quansah, Bradley.

• Injured: Matip, Thiago, Jota, Robertson, Mac Allister, Bajcetic.
• Suspended: None

Curtis Jones retains his starting spot in midfield after a brilliant two-goal showing against West Ham United in midweek.

The other big selection call comes up top, where Cody Gakpo starts in attack, pushing Darwin Nunez onto the bench.

Arsenal starting 11

Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko — Odegaard, Rice, Havertz — Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

Subs: Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior, Soares, Trossard, Jorginho, Reiss Nelson, Elneny.

• Injured: Vieira, Tomiyasu, Partey, Timber, Jorginho (doubtful), Elneny (doubtful).
• Suspended: None

With no new injury concerns ahead of this one, Mikel Arteta sticks with the same starting lineup that defeated Brighton last time out.

That means four changes from the Gunners’ 2-2 draw at Anfield in April, with the additions of David Raya, William Saliba, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

Liverpool vs Arsenal live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

USA: This game is being broadcast on the NBC USA and Peacock networks. Spanish language streaming options are on Telemundo which are available via Fubo.

Canada: Every Premier League game this season is live streaming exclusively via Fubo in Canada.

Australia: Fans in Australia can stream every match live and on demand on Optus Sport.

UK: This match is available for live broadcast with Sky Sports and streaming options via Sky GO and Now TV.