Arsenal asserted their title ambitions with an impressive showing in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, securing their position atop the Premier League table at Christmas.

Mikel Arteta's team, last season's runners-up, boasts 40 points from 18 games, having won five of their last seven matches. Despite not securing a league victory at Anfield since 2012, Arsenal's strong performance placed them ahead of Liverpool, who sit second with 39 points, edging Aston Villa on goal difference.

Arteta described the match as "an unbelievable game of football" and acknowledged the fair outcome of a draw. In the last 20 minutes, Arsenal demonstrated a strong desire, but both teams ultimately shared the points.

Historically, the team leading on Christmas Day has often gone on to win the title in 10 out of the last 14 seasons. Defending champions Manchester City, currently fifth, have played one game less.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp praised Arsenal's strength, stating, "Oh my god, how strong are they? The good news is we are good as well."

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah scored a brilliant equalizer in the 29th minute, showcasing his 151st Premier League goal. Despite strong claims for a penalty after a potential handball by Odegaard, and a near miss from Alexander-Arnold hitting the crossbar, both teams settled for a point.

The match saw a setback for Liverpool as Kostas Tsimikas suffered a broken collarbone in the first half, following a collision with Saka, who also took down Klopp in the process. Tsimikas left the pitch with medical assistance, nursing his injured shoulder.