Let’s take a look back at one of the stand-out fixtures in the football calendar between two legendary teams in English football.
Join us at SportsBreaks to explore the history, intense fan rivalry and a selection of unforgettable matches that have defined this fixture throughout the ages.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: a history of the rivalry
Liverpool vs Arsenal is one of the greatest rivalries in football; a battle that has resulted in the most goals of any fixture since the conception of the Premier League in 1982.
Liverpool dominated English football for much of the 1970s and 80s, but it was Arsenal that put an end to all of that when they travelled to Anfield on the final day of the 1988/89 season needing a win to claim league victory. They did just that, taking the Premier League title in 1989 and ever since then the rivalry between the two Red sides has been intense.
Other classics include the 2008 Champions League clash that saw Liverpool come out on top, with a memorable back and forth game that ended 4-2 . 12 months later was a Premier League clash that ended 4-4 and in 2017 a packed-out Emirates watched a seven-goal thriller. In short, Liverpool and Arsenal matchups almost always equates to an entertaining game of football with guaranteed goals.
In recent years, the rivalry seems to have simmered down as both sides have fought to rival the dominant Manchester City side for Premier League victory.
The iconic Anfield fortress
Despite Anfield being the well-known home for Liverpool FC, it was actually their cross-town rivals Everton who first played their games at the iconic stadium. But after rent disputes Everton moved out of Anfield and a year later the newly founded Liverpool FC moved in. Their residence at the iconic stadium started off well with a 7-1 win over Rotherham.
In the 1980s, a decision was made to convert the stadium into an all-seater and thus in 1982, the famous Shankly Gates were created, followed by the construction of the Centenary Stand in the 90s, the addition of the Anfield Road Stand and the conversion of the Kop.
These developments made Anfield an attractive option for hosting international games and in the 1996 Euros, the stadium hosted three group matches as well as the quarter final between France and the Netherlands.
Anfield underwent one of its biggest transformations in 2016 which saw expansions to its Main Stand, allowing it to accommodate a record 54,074 fans. There are further plans to expand the Anfield Road Stand which will take the stadium’s capacity to 61,276 making it the fourth-largest stadium in the Premier League.
Matches to remember at Anfield
1. Liverpool dampen Arsenal’s title hopes
Going into one of the final games of the 1997/98 season, Arsenal were in touching distance of Premier League victory. Sitting three points clear of United, they travelled to Anfield and needed a win to maintain a comfortable cushion. Liverpool battered that hope, scoring three goals in 12 minutes during the first half and another in the second. Whilst Arsenal went on to win, the 4-0 defeat certainly put the pressure on.
2. Liverpool’s chance for a trophyArguably the highlight of Liverpool’s winning 2013/14 Premier League campaign was their destruction of Arsenal at Anfield. Arsenal had led the title race for much of the season, but absolutely crumbled up North suffering a 5-1 defeat. Martin Skrtel, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool fans something to smile about.
3. Liverpool again shatter Arsenal’s title hopes
Towards the end of the 2022/23 season, Liverpool were out of the title race, whilst Arsenal were close to winning their first title since 2004, sitting 5 points clear of Manchester City. Two goals in the first half from the visitors had fans thinking the title was theirs, but the hosts fought back and two goals from Salah and Firmino destroyed Arsenal’s hopes of winning the league and they settled for second.
Looking ahead
This fixture remains one of the most anticipated games in the football calendar and the fierce rivalry established in the late 80s follows the two sides every time they meet.
To experience this yourself, you can register your interest in future matches and view our Liverpool FC ticket page.
Join us for more stories, updates, and fan experiences at SportsBreaks, where the game never ends, and every match is more than just a game.
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