Liverpool survived an incredible Arsenal fightback as Roberto Firmino rescued a thrilling 3-3 draw in a strong contender for the Premier League’s game of the season. Philippe Coutinho’s first half opener and Mohamed Salah’s strike after the interval appeared to have put Liverpool on course for an early Christmas present at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
But Arsenal hit back in stunning style with three goals in five minutes from Alexis Sanchez, Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil. There was one last plot twist as Firmino bagged Liverpool’s equaliser to cap a breath-taking clash that was almost as memorable as the Reds’ 4-3 victory over Arsenal in the corresponding fixture last season.
Fourth placed Liverpool remain one point above fifth placed Arsenal after a Christmas cracker that underlined the qualities and problems with two teams who harboured title ambitions in August, but now trail way behind runaway leaders Manchester City. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 league games while Arsenal have now won just one of last five league matches.
Chelsea frustrated in Everton stalemate
Chelsea wasted a chance to move level on points with second placed Manchester United as Everton maintained their improvement under Sam Allardyce in a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park. It marked a sixth game unbeaten for Everton under former England manager Allardyce, but Chelsea’s failure to convert possession into goals will not have pleased Blues manager Antonio Conte. Chelsea remain third and are 13 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Initially, it looked like being an encouraging day for Conte as Chelsea quickly established a pattern of complete dominance. It took an impressive double goal-line clearance by Phil Jagielka to deny the visitors what would have been a deserved lead. The Everton captain read the situation as Alonso’s cross flew through the home area after 10 minutes, reacting sharply to block Tiemoue Bakayoko's effort.
