Arsenal missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Liverpool.
The Gunners, who had won their last five Premier League games, entered the match with a prime chance to capitalize following draws from title contenders Manchester City and Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Liverpool, last season’s champions and unbeaten in their previous nine matches across all competitions, were without Hugo Ekitike, forcing manager Arne Slot to start without a recognized striker.
Arsenal controlled the first half, but Liverpool came closest to scoring when Conor Bradley capitalized on a confusion between David Raya and William Saliba, only to see his chipped shot hit the crossbar.
Despite numerous crosses from Arsenal into the box, they couldn’t find a player to convert them into a goal.
In the second half, Liverpool gained the upper hand and posed more of an attacking threat, but neither team managed to break the deadlock.
Late in stoppage time, Arsenal substitute Gabriel Martinelli provoked Liverpool players by roughly pushing Bradley off the pitch after the defender appeared to suffer a painful knee injury near the touchline. Martinelli received a booking, and Bradley was stretchered off, clearly distressed.
With the draw, Arsenal remain top of the table, now six points ahead of their nearest challengers, while Liverpool hold fourth place.
