What Arteta and Odegaard did at Anfield ahead of crunch Liverpool clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and captain Martin Odegaard paid their respects to those lost in the Hillsborough disaster almost 34 years ago

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard paid their respects to those lost in the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Gunners' crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The pair were photographed laying down flower wreaths at the memorial plaque situated outside of Anfield ahead of the encounter against Liverpool, almost 34 years on from the tragedy. Claiming 97 lives in total, the disaster occurred at Sheffield Wednesday's home ground during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989.

Showing a classy mark of respect, Arteta and Odegaard were both pictured at Anfield on Saturday after travelling up for the clash from London, with many praising the Gunners' act of kindness.

Arsenal's official Twitter account wrote: ''Our thoughts are with our friends at Liverpool FC and all the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster – April 15, 1989.''

A minute of silence will be also observed ahead of kick-off on Sunday, alongside a mosaic to be displayed on the Kop, featuring the Eternal Flames with the number 97.

Set to be a feisty encounter between two of the Premier League's in-form sides on Merseyside, Arsenal know they can extend their once again over 2nd placed Manchester City with victory, taking them eight points clear with just eight games remaining this season.