There had been plenty of drama throughout the Premier League by the time Sunday’s main event rolled around, but little could have prepared fans for the entertainment they were about to witness at the Emirates Stadium.

Title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool met in north London, with both sides hopeful of keeping pace with Manchester City after the reigning champions beat Southampton on Saturday.

The Gunners’ preparations for the game were disrupted by a raft of injury concerns, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber doubtful to feature. However, both players pulled through in a big boost for Mikel Arteta.

There was also some early pushing and shoving involving Virgil van Dijk and Kai Havertz, with the pair performing a weird kind of long-limbed dance before referee Anthony Taylor blew in Arsenal’s favour.

Some sided with the Germany international, while others claimed he got as good as he gave in the interaction.

Once the kicking stopped, Saka marked his return in the ninth minute, sending Andy Robertson spinning as he collected Ben White’s pass and smashed in at the near post.

The strike also brought up 50 Arsenal goals in the Premier League for the 23-year-old, making him the youngest Gunner to achieve that feat.

However, the advantage didn’t last long for the hosts. Instead, an awesome corner delivery from Trent Alexander-Arnold was flicked on by Luis Diaz and met by Van Dijk, who nodded in beyond David Raya.

That levelled the scores, leaving the title clash beautifully poised with most of the first half still to play.

On the cusp of half-time, Arsenal bagged a 2-1 lead. Declan Rice swung in a free kick and Merino was waiting to power his header past Caoimhin Kelleher.

The video assistant referee check was long and arduous but eventually the goal was given, prompting mass cheers at the Emirates.

There was a little bit of everything in the first half, with the second period having an awful lot to live up to.

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