Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal: Five talking points from Anfield

Liverpool capped a thrilling contest at Anfield with a last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal.

Here, we round up five key talking points from the game...

Arsenal denied at the death

While high-flying Leicester continued to defy the odds at White Hart Lane, Arsenal at least seemed primed to extend their advantage over Manchester City as the clock ticked down at Anfield.

The Gunners should know they cannot afford to switch off in these fixtures, though. No Premier League contest has seen more goals scored in the 90th minute or later. Last season it was Martin Skrtel snatching a point with a last-gasp leveller for Liverpool, this time it was Joe Allen.

Liverpool, Arsenal in epic draw

Liverpool and Arsenal played out a 3-3 thriller - a result that keeps the Gunners top.

The long ball into the box and Christian Benteke's knockdown was at odds with the fine football both teams had produced for much of the contest but the method mattered little to Jurgen Klopp, who delivered a trademark surge up the touchline in celebration.

The impact of that goal on Arsenal's title hopes remains to be seen - the snow falling at Anfield was a clear reminder that May remains a long way off. Arsenal have Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton and Manchester City to play away from home before the Premier League trophy is handed out. But Arsene Wenger will no doubt rue such a costly late lapse. 

Giroud at his best... and worst

Remarkably, Olivier Giroud managed to lodge his entry for miss of the season AND collect the man of the match prize at Anfield.

The Frenchman's first-half howler - where he contrived to miss from three yards out - will be replayed in his mind and on blooper shows for years to come. But his two goals - the second expertly taken - and all-round performance demonstrate why he remains a key component of Arsenal's title challenge.

His first goal, a faint near-post flick, was fortunate to squirm past Simon Mignolet, but demonstrated his strength as he held off his marker. His second, a Cruyff turn and finish into the corner, demonstrated his skill.

As Arsenal looked for an out-ball late on, he provided the target they required - only Aaron Ramsey had more touches than Giroud among Arsenal players.

In each of the last six seasons, the Premier League champions have had a player who scored 20 goals. Giroud managed 11, 16 and 14 in his first three seasons in England. This year, he's already up to 12 - and playing with the confidence to bag many more.

Firmino: Big-game player?

It seems the big games bring out the best in Roberto Firmino.

A star performer with a goal and an assist in the 4-1 drubbing of Manchester City, the Brazilian also teed up team-mates in wins over Chelsea and high-flying Leicester this season. With the arrival of Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield, Firmino stepped up his level again.

He could - perhaps should - have had a first-half hat-trick. The 24-year-old had only scored once in his previous 24 games but a cool touch and smart finish opened the scoring and, after Ramsey's equaliser, he put Liverpool back in front with a sublime, curling shot into the top corner.

Only the woodwork denied Firmino a third late in the first half, after a classy turn and volley in the box.  

His influence faded in the second half but, with Manchester United next up, Liverpool will hope their big-game Brazilian delivers again.

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Campbell turns it on

Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Joel Campbell ahead of the trip to Anfield. The Arsenal boss praised the Costa Rican's threat in the final third, teamwork and performance under pressure. All three traits were on display on Wednesday night.

Starting on the right of an attacking three in support of Giroud, Campbell produced two passes in the first period more commonly associated with his team-mate Mesut Ozil.

The first, slipped through a gap in the Liverpool defence, allowed Ramsey to fire in Arsenal's first. The second, freeing Theo Walcott in the box, would have led to Arsenal's third, had Giroud not failed to convert from three yards.

Wenger praises Campbell

Arsene Wenger praised the progress of forward Joel Campbell

Giroud made amends in the second half when Campbell's deflected pass fell his way.  

Liverpool's defence found the 23-year-old hard to contain all evening - no player drew more fouls from the opposition (four) - but it wasn't just the creativity of Campbell which impressed.

No player on the pitch made more tackles (five), only two Arsenal players made more than his two interceptions and he chipped in with a couple of blocks, too. An all-round display which would no doubt have impressed his boss.

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Positives for Liverpool

Klopp spoke of his frustration at conceding 'easy' goals against Arsenal.  "You cannot ignore a few things were not good," he said. But, when he reviews this performance, as well as those defensive errors he'll find plenty of positives.

Fit-again Jordan Henderson made a difference in central midfield, making more interceptions (seven) than any player on the field, while Emre Can alongside him topped the tackles index (five) and set the tempo.

There was attacking verve, too, with Firmino, Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe threatening as Liverpool registered 21 shots - their fifth highest tally in the Premier League this season.

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There were no hamstring injuries, either - a relief after Liverpool's recent spate of problems.

Liverpool and Manchester United have now both been involved in thrilling 3-3 draws this week - a promising omen for Sky Sports viewers ahead of their meeting on Sunday.

More importantly, Klopp has shown he can lift his team for the big games - Liverpool are unbeaten against Tottenham, Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal under his charge. Now for the biggest game of all…