Arsenal failed to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League after being held to a scoreless draw by Liverpool in a tense contest in north London.
Arsenal failed to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League after being held to a scoreless draw by Liverpool in a tense contest in north London.
The hosts entered the fixture in strong form, having claimed victory in each of their previous five league outings. With Manchester City and Aston Villa both dropping points earlier in the week, the stage was set for Mikel Arteta’s side to build a commanding lead.
Instead, the match concluded in disappointment, capped by an ugly moment in stoppage time when substitute Gabriel Martinelli attempted to shove Conor Bradley off the pitch as the defender lay injured near the touchline. Martinelli was shown a yellow card, while Bradley departed on a stretcher, visibly distressed.
Despite the setback, Arsenal remains top of the table with a six-point cushion, while Liverpool continues to occupy fourth place.
Arsenal controlled much of the opening half, circulating the ball with authority and pinning their opponents back for long spells.
Clear chances, however, proved elusive. A succession of deliveries into the penalty area went untouched, highlighting the lack of a decisive presence in front of the goal.
Ironically, the best opening of the first period fell to Liverpool. Bradley capitalised on a misunderstanding between David Raya and William Saliba before lifting an effort that struck the crossbar.
Summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating evening and was withdrawn just after the hour mark without registering a single attempt, despite several promising balls flashing across the face of the goal.
Liverpool arrived without Hugo Ekitike, forcing Arne Slot to deploy a starting XI devoid of a recognised striker. Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz operated as the most advanced players in a makeshift attacking setup.
For much of the first half, the visitors struggled to escape their own territory. After the interval, however, they grew in confidence and posed greater danger, shifting the momentum of the contest.
Wirtz went down inside the area under pressure from Leandro Trossard, but appeals for a penalty were dismissed. Later on, Szoboszlai tested Arsenal with a threatening free kick as Liverpool pressed for a winner.
While Slot’s side are still short of their peak level, their extended unbeaten sequence suggests gradual improvement. Though a title challenge appears unlikely, performances of this nature may yet shape the destiny of the championship.
