Liverpool’s next five Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal after Manchester United draw

Liverpool’s next five Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal after Manchester United draw

Upcoming Liverpool Premier League fixtures after they drew with Manchester United at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s side stay second after Arsenal’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool slipped to third in the Premier League table following Arsenal’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion as Aston Villa came from behind to leapfrog the Reds

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Arsenal leapfrogged Liverpool to go top of the Premier League ahead of the Reds’ clash with Manchester United.

The Gunners beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta’s side moved two points clear at the summit and five away from reigning champions Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola suffered late disappointment at home to Crystal Palace after Michael Olise’s stoppage-time penalty in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The share of the spoils meant that City have drawn four out of their last six (losing once) with their win over Luton Town ending a run of four games without a win.

The Reds will play three times before City next take to the field in the top-flight due to their involvement in the Club World Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s side will face United, Arsenal and Burnley before City travel to Merseyside to face Everton.

Liverpool host Man United on Sunday (4:30pm kick-off) looking to extend their winning run over their fierce rivals and restore their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The win for Arsenal sets up perfectly for the showdown between the Reds and the North London club when they lock horns on December 23 at Anfield.

Aston Villa are among the surprise contenders in the early battle for Champions League qualification and moved second with their late turnaround against Brentford.

Alex Moreno equalised for Villa late on before Ollie Watkins completed the comeback in the dying embers. The Bees task of maintaining the lead, after Keane Lewis-Potter’s opener, was made harder when Ben Mee was sent off and Unai Emery’s side took full advantage with two goals in eight minutes.

Here is how Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Man City’s next five Premier League fixtures fare as the title race begins to take shape going into the hectic festive period.

Liverpool

Manchester United (H) – Sunday, December 17

Arsenal (H) – Saturday, December 23

Burnley (A) – Tuesday, December 26

Newcastle (H) – Monday, January 1

Bournemouth (A) – Sunday, January 21

Chelsea (H) – Wednesday, January 31

Arsenal

Liverpool (A) – December 23

West Ham (H) – December 28

Fulham (A) – December 31

Crystal Palace (H) – January 20

Nottingham Forest (A) – January 30

Aston Villa

Sheffield United (H) – December 22

Manchester United (A) – December 26

Burnley (H) – December 30

Everton (A) – January 14

Newcastle United (H) – January 30

Sheffield United (A)- February 3

Manchester City

Everton (A) – December 27

Sheffield United (H) – December 30

Newcastle United (A) – January 13

Burnley (H) – January 31

Brentford (H) – February 3