Premier League classics: Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool were meant to be hosting Arsenal this weekend,in a contest which is usually an absolute humdinger.

This fixture has thrown up everything over the years, and to remember the best of the bunch, we’ve taken a look back at their Premier League classic encounters…

May 1998: Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal

Arsenal would win a league and FA Cup double in the 1997-98season, but bizarrely would lose home and away to Liverpool, including this 4-0drubbing at Anfield.

The Reds, in the midst of their ‘Spice Boys’ era, weresensational on their day, and none more so than this May clash.

A quick-fire Paul Ince brace put Roy Evans’ hosts 2-0 up bythe half hour, before a young Michael Owen made it 3-0 before the interval.

Liverpool’s triumph was sealed late on with an Oyvind Leonhardsenstrike to round off a sensational win.

April 2004: Arsenal 4-2 Liverpool

There was once a time when Arsenal weren’t too botheredabout going a goal down. Why would you be when you had Thierry Henry and RobertPires in your side?

The Gunners were enjoying their zenith under Wenger, as theyhomed in on an invincible campaign.

Sami Hyypia headed Liverpool ahead early on, only for Henry toslide Arsenal level after a wizardry clipped assist from Pires.

Michael Owen’s fine finish from Steven Gerrard’sthrough-ball ensured Liverpool led at the interval, but from then on it wasArsenal’s show.

Pires made it 2-2 within five minutes of the restart, before Henry produced more magic with a stunning solo effort a minute later, twisting and turning his way as Liverpool defenders fell over themselves.

And there was still time for the Frenchman to wrap up his hat-trick, netting Arsenal’s fourth to complete the win late on.

April 2009: Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Step forward, Andrey Arshavin. The Russian will always beremembered fondly by the Arsenal faithful for this stunning solo performancealone.

This contest was unremarkable at half-time, with Arshavin’sfirst goal handing Wenger’s side a slender one-goal advantage.

But it was carnage in the second half, as Fernando Torresand Yossi Benayoun quickly turned to tables to make it 2-1 Liverpool.

Arshavin wasn’t done yet though, and a pair of goals justthree minutes apart (the first a mighty 20-yard strike) quickly put Arsenalback in front.

Torres quickly replied to make it 3-3, and we thought thatwas that until Theo Walcott played Arshavin through to fire home his fourth ofthe night in stoppage time.

And yet there was more. A hail-mary effort from the Redspaid off in the dying moments, with Benayoun bundling home to complete asensational 4-4 thriller.

August 2016: Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool  

This was Liverpool’s first game of the season in Jurgen Klopp’sfirst full campaign as Reds manager, and the tone was quickly set for what wasto come.

Theo Walcott opened the scoring just after the half hour,but Philippe Coutinho levelled on the stroke of half-time.

Arsene Wenger’s half-time plans quickly went out the window as Klopp’s new-look side showed their class with a blistering 15-minute display.

Goals from Adam Lallana, Coutinho and a stunning strike from new recruit Sadio Mane put the visitors out of reach, despite late replies from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers.

December 2017: Arsenal 3-3 Liverpool

We’ve been spoilt for choice for epic encounters betweenthis pair in recent seasons, and this was another rip-roaring contest.

Philippe Coutinho handed the Reds a 1-0 lead, before MoSalah made it 2-0 early in the second half.

That sparked an almighty fightback from the Gunners, and threegoals in five minutes from Alexis Sanchez, Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil turnedthe game on its head.

 But of course it didn’tend there, with Roberto Firmino popping up to ensure a share of the points.