Arsenal go into Christmas top of the Premier League tree after a 1-1 draw with second-placed Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
 
For the second year running the Gunners failed to convert a fast start into three points but, on this occasion, it didn’t feel like costly dropped points. 

In reality, it felt like the two best sides in the Premier League so far this season battling it out.
 
Arsenal were electric out of the gates, scoring an early goal through Gabriel. But what was most impressive was the attitude and approach, pressing right onto Liverpool from the off and putting them on the back foot.
 
On balance, the game ended up being fairly even as each side enjoyed spells of pressure and showcased their quality. 
 
That gave more of a glimpse into why Arsenal play the way they have this season and the way they have recruited since Mikel Arteta took over. Against Liverpool, it felt like a case of whoever had the ball looked like they were going to win. 
 
For all of the defensive qualities of William Saliba, Declan Rice, and the rest of the back line, it’s the relentless attacking and suffocating counter press that make Arsenal the side they are – worthy of being top of the league.
 
It was also a game which proved why Arsenal have what it takes to win the league this season, and make a good run at the Champions League. 

The team was functioning brilliantly as a unit last season, but this year we’re seeing the power of stars with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard as well as Saliba and Rice. 
 
The entire team has been great, but that quartet are so often the difference this season and for all of the great team play, it takes elite players in both boxes to win the biggest games.  
 
Over the festive period, the Gunners host sixth-placed West Ham at the Emirates on Thursday December 28 (8.15pm), before a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on New Year’s Eve (2pm), ahead of the Premier League’s winter break.