CRACKERS!

Crazy Christmas classic

slipped and presented the ball straight to Salah, who should have scored but saw his shot beaten away by Cech.

Mane had a chance with the follow-up but sent his acrobatic volley just over.

Half-time was met by a chorus of boos from home fans, which got worse when Arsenal went further behind in the 52nd minute.

When Ainsley Maitland-Niles lost the ball upfield, Salah was off. He passed to Coutinho, who cut out three Arsenal players with a return pass.

Rocket

Substitute centre-back Shkodran Mustafi stepped up to try to block Salah’s shot but only succeeded in deflecting it past Cech.

But Arsenal hit back a minute later. Joe Gomez was caught hesitating at the far post and Sanchez got in front of him to nod home Hector Bellerin’s cross.

Then came Xhaka’s rocket to level three minutes later.

Taking a pass from Alex Iwobi he fired in a stunning, dipping thunderbolt from 25 yards which beat Simon Mignolet for pace and movement, although the keeper should have done better.

The Gunners were not finished and Ozil, who had been poor for an hour, put the home side ahead two minutes later. A move started by Jack Wilshere led to the German surging into the box. He passed to Alexandre Lacazette, who back-heeled brilliantly into his path, leaving Ozil to lift it over the advancing Mignolet and into the net.

Cech then kept out a Mane volley at his near post, but the Czech star could not deny Firmino in the 71st minute.

Emre Can picked out the striker and although Cech parried his shot, it looped up and dropped into the net. ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Referee: