Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis, Premier League 2018/19 

#2 Both teams refuse to hold back as the first-half ends goalless

Leno made himself big on that occasion

The first 45 minutes suggested very little about the frenetic pace of proceedings at the Emirates as both teams refused to shy away from committing bodies forward or hold back. The home side saw more of the ball throughout the period but the Reds too, sent out a few warnings to Leno and co.

There was plenty to shout about for either side. An array of chances fell to both teams but none were taken, with some also being disallowed by the linesman. Mkhitaryan hopped onto a mistake from Alisson but headed it just wide. The same error was replicated by Leno, who came out of his lines but failed to punch the ball away. Van Dijk though was denied by the frame of the goal.

The half rocketed through as crosses were being played repeatedly, chances were created and both sides were pacy with their movement from defence to attack. While Mustafi was denied for the hosts, Mane's simple tap-in was ruled offside.

Salah was unleashed on quite a few occasions but the so-called Egyptian king failed to find the final ball consistently. He did pick a peach of a pass to Van Dijk, who chested it first, laid it down smoothly for himself but couldn't tuck home the opener as Leno made himself big and equalled the shot.

Elsewhere, Lacazette, Firmino and Aubameyang all got half-chances. All in all, the first-half was intriguing, fast-paced and breathtaking.