Arsenal and Liverpool played out a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners missing the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal missed the chance to extend their lead to eight points over second-placed Manchester City, following a goalless draw at home against Liverpool. The Gunners still top the league by six points, as they aim for their first Premier League title since 2004.
Despite a bright start by their hosts, Liverpool held firm throughout the first half and could’ve claimed the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes. A defensive mix-up left Conor Bradley with an open goal, but the right-back could only hit the crossbar with his lofted attempt.
Arsenal fans had another scare just after the break, when Leandro Trossard was wrong-footed by Florian Wirtz, but replays confirmed Anthony Taylor was correct to dismiss any penalty claims. This set the stage for the rest of the match, with Arsenal failing to register a shot in the second half until stoppage time.
The Daily Star Sport rates and slates the Gunners.
David Raya – 6.
He nearly got involved in a defensive blunder when rushing out to collect a ball that William Saliba had already decided to pass back. Apart from that, the Spanish goalkeeper was largely unchallenged.
Jurrien Timber – 7
The Dutchman didn’t put a foot wrong during the entire 90 minutes, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
William Saliba – 6
He was the other party involved in the error that almost led to a goal, but it was otherwise another clean sheet for the Frenchman.
Gabriel – 6
He really should’ve clinched the game with the final touch, but failed to convert from close range at the back post. With no real Liverpool centre-forward present, the Brazilian star wasn’t greatly challenged.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Substituted due to an injury early in the second half, the defender had been completely at ease during his 50-odd minutes on the pitch. Arteta and his team will be hoping that the Ecuadorian international recovers to full fitness sooner rather than later.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
Rather selfishly took control of the ball when a dummy would’ve left Bukayo Saka with a clear shot at goal in the second half, and struggled to contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play in midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 5
The fact that the Arsenal captain was so quiet throughout the match is testament to the effort of the Liverpool midfield, with the Norwegian international failing to make a significant impact.
Declan Rice – 6
Made his presence felt in the centre of the park, but didn’t have the same influence as he did against Bournemouth at the weekend. A rare off day for the usually formidable midfield star.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Started strongly and looked set to torment the Liverpool defence all evening. However, after an initial bright start, the English international began to fade and was eventually substituted with Arsenal seeking a winner.
Viktor Gyokeres – 3
It seemed as though Arsenal were playing with just 10 men for the majority of the time he was on the field. A wholly ineffective and disappointing performance from the man who was expected to elevate Arsenal to new heights. As it stands, it appears they’ll achieve their goals despite the Swede, not because of him.
Leandro Trossard – 6
He was one of the more lively Arsenal attackers, and if not for a few unlucky deflections, he could have bagged an assist or two. He may have felt hard done by being substituted at the 60-minute mark.
Substitutes:
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4
Swiftly brought onto the pitch to replace the injured Piero Hincapie, but never really found his rhythm in the game. He struggled with Jeremie Frimpong’s pace and was occasionally careless with the ball. The young player will need to improve.
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
Incredibly fortunate not to have been sent off for an ugly incident involving Conor Bradley. The winger threw the ball at the head of the downed Liverpool defender, before trying to push him off the pitch. He had a few moments after coming off the bench, but didn’t create much.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
If Gyokeres was ineffective, the former Man City forward wasn’t much better. A weak header was his only real chance at goal, but he was nowhere to be seen when Noni Madueke sent a dangerous cross across the face of Liverpool’s goal.
Eberechi Eze – 5
Didn’t do much, either good or bad.
Noni Madueke – 6
Could’ve bagged two assists on a different night and was the only substitute who made a significant impact.
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