Arsenal fans claimed on social media that Liverpool purposefully overwatered the Anfield ground before their 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Both teams had the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League if they won the game.

Mikel Arteta’s team took the lead early, with Gabriel thumping home a Martin Odegaard free kick just three minutes into the game.

Liverpool equalized just before halftime, with Mohamed Salah scoring his 16th goal of the season in all competitions.

Both teams sought a winner in a thrilling match marred by controversy with forceful challenges and VAR decisions, but the game finally remained level, allowing Arsenal to maintain their lead at the top of the league.

Arsenal supporters say Liverpool purposefully overwatered the Anfield ground prior to their 1-1 draw.

Social media clips appear to show many players stumbling on the playing field.

Following the game, numerous Gunners fans claimed that the ground had been purposefully designed to be slick for their players.

Bukayo Saka looked to slip as he challenged Kostas Tsimikas, resulting in the Greek defender breaking his collarbone after slipping out of play and colliding with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

One Arsenal fan wrote on X that the pitch conditions were a deliberate ploy by Liverpool to hinder their style of play.

‘We overwatered on purpose to slow down our play and accommodate their long ball strategy. Take a look at how slowly the ball rolls.

‘Every through ball slows down, and dribbling timing is incorrect. Worst of all, it’s extremely harmful for players.’

The same user posted a video of Saka appearing to slip under pressure from Ryan Gravenberch, landing awkwardly and clattering into the Dutch midfielder.

‘We discuss player welfare and player protection. This could have ended horribly. Take a look at Saka’s knee.’

Another commenter agreed with the notion that the pitch’s current state was deliberate: ‘They ruined it on purpose. They are incapable of dealing with our possession-based methods.’

Meanwhile, another Arsenal supporter made an audacious accusation, stating that one side of the pitch had been intentionally overwatered to the prejudice of the visitors: 

‘Anfield pitch had not been cut since Wednesday night,’ they stated. It had also been thoroughly watered prior to the game, and by halftime, the only side that had been watered was the Anfield Road end….

The playing surface, according to fans, was unsafe and was designed to restrict Arsenal’s flair.