Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool: 5 observations from the game | Premier League 2018-19

Arsenal and Liverpool both came into this encounter on the back of a good run of games. The Gunners were unbeaten in all competitions (since the loss to City and Chelsea), while The Reds were yet to lose this season in the Premier League.

The last 5 meetings between both teams had provided 27 goals, and with both sides believing in attacking football, it was all set for a mouth-watering goal scoring encounter.

The home side was quick off the blocks and made life difficult for Arnold in the right back position, and the first good chance of the game fell to Aubameyang whose shot was just wide off the post.

Against the run of play, Liverpool came close after Firmino hit the bar from a Milner pass. A few moments later, Van Dijk got in a 1-v-1 situation with Leno, but the Arsenal goalkeeper did well to save the Dutchman's shot.

Arsenal had more possession and created more chances, including a Lacazette shot which went past Alisson's goal, but Liverpool would feel unlucky after Sadio Mane's goal was ruled out for offside, and both Firmino and Virgil Van Dijk hit the crossbar and the post respectively.

Both teams went into the break goalless, which didn't justify the way the half panned out. The second half started in a frenzy like the first, and Arsenal went on all out attack immediately, with Mkhitaryan making some darting runs from the right.

Against the run of play, James Milner put the visitors in front. Van Dijk also made his presence felt in Arsenal's penalty area, but Leno acrobatically saved his header.

Arsenal finally got the reward for all their efforts when Lacazette beautifully guided the ball past Alisson to make it all square at the Emirates. Both teams went for the winner in the closing stages of the game, but it ended at 1-1.

Here five observations from the game.

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#5 Arsenal's eye-catching attack

Lacazette scored the equaliser

During the era of Arsene Wenger, silky one-touch plays and smooth build-ups were the essence of Arsenal. Arsenal's foundation is attack, and Unai Emery seems to have carried on the heritage at the Emirates.

The combination play of Lacazette, Aubameyang, and Ozil has been a treat to watch. Against Liverpool, the trio created numerous chances, but the final touch let them down several times.

Ozil is often criticised for his performances against top opposition, but against Liverpool he played some defense splitting through passes. When they are on song, The Gunners are a delight to watch.

#4 Time for VAR?

Mane must be feeling hard done by the referee

VAR usage has started in many leagues around the globe, but not in the Premier League. However, many are not in support of the technology, believing it takes away the natural essence of the game.

Jurgen Klopp must be one of the few who wished he had the services of the VAR technology at his disposal. It was a moment in the first half when a legit Sadio Mane goal was ruled out by the linesman for offside.

When Arsenal had a upper hand in the match, James Milner came up with a beautifully lofted pass for Roberto Firmino who was onside. The Brazilian lobbed the goalkeeper, but his shot bounced off the bar, came back, and Mane headed home.

The Senegalese international was behind Firmino when he hit the shot, that made him onside, and the goal should have stayed, and Liverpool would have been in front.

#3 Defensive solidity of Liverpool

Van Dijk was fantastic

Liverpool is a team criticised over the years for conceding far too many goals. Even last season, The Reds scored lots of goals, but the defensive fragility didn't help their cause, and they failed to win any silverware.

The defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season was the final straw for the Liverpool manager who made his intention clear by buying Alisson in the summer.

The Reds now have one of the best defensive records in the league, and have only conceded 5 goals so far in this campaign. Against The Gunners, the pair of Van Dijk and Gomez were fantastic dealing with crosses or passes that came into the box.

The leadership of Van Dijk, and the organisation of Alisson is crucial to the solidity at the back, which will be pivotal for Liverpool to stay in touch with Manchester City at the top.

#2 Unbeaten run continues for The Reds

Milner scored for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp's side hasn't been convincing, and Mo Salah is yet to hit the form he showed in the record breaking 2017-18 campaign, but Liverpool is doing just enough to stay in the race with City. Against Chelsea and Manchester City, they were not at their very best, but still came away with a point in each game.

The Gunners were better for most of the game today, and created more chances than the opposition, but like any top team, it took just one possibility for Jurgen Klopp's side to score, and they did grab the opportunity with aplomb.

#1 A regenerating Arsenal

Unai Emery is loving life at the Emirates

Nobody thought Arsenal would respond the way they have after losing a manager who had been there for so many years, and instilled a specific philosophy among the players. It's a team in transition for Unai Emery, but he didn't take any time to settle down at the Emirates.

Arsenal has been a force to be reckoned with this season. The forwards are in excellent form, and the midfield is looking compact as well. The defense is still an issue for The Gunners though, and they will need to sort that out quick.

The Gunners were always criticised for their performances against big clubs, but they looked fearless against Liverpool from the word go. The entire team was on the front foot, and there was an eagerness to win from the very first minute.

The scoreline doesn't justify the shift the players put in, but the manager would take a lot of positives from the game.