They settled for a goalless draw towards Liverpool on the Emirates Stadium
Liverpool are one among solely two sides to beat Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal this season. Picture: AFP
LONDON:
Arsenal wasted the prospect to maneuver eight factors clear on the prime of the Premier League as Liverpool got here to life in a 0-0 draw on the Emirates Stadium.
The Reds are one among solely two sides to beat Mikel Arteta’s males this season and got here closest to breaking the impasse when Conor Bradley hit the crossbar.
Arsenal failed to attain for the primary time at residence all season however did sufficient to increase their benefit over second-placed Manchester Metropolis to 6 factors.
Three consecutive attracts for Metropolis over the previous week had opened the door for Arsenal to shut in on their first league title in 22 years.
The Emirates was bouncing earlier than a ball was kicked in anticipation, however the spectacle between the defending champions and obvious champions elect fell flat.
Each side struggled to cope with the treacherous circumstances as Storm Goretti unleashed torrential rain and swirling winds.
Liverpool have lengthy since fallen out of the title race since beating the Gunners at Anfield in August, however are actually 10 video games unbeaten to consolidate their place within the prime 4.
The guests had been penned in for a lot of the primary 45 minutes however nonetheless got here closest to opening the scoring earlier than the break.
William Saliba’s backpass practically caught out David Raya and, with the Spanish goalkeeper stranded, Conor Bradley’s lob got here again off the underside of the crossbar.
The roles had been reversed within the second interval as Liverpool dominated possession and territory.
Nevertheless, the Reds had been shorn of three of their greatest attacking threats with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike out injured and Mohamed Salah away on the Africa Cup of Nations.
That lack of firepower within the ultimate third confirmed as Arsenal had been solely ever troubled by the tempo of Jeremie Frimpong, who lacked the ultimate ball to make his harmful bursts rely.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s gorgeous free-kick separated the perimeters when the final met and practically repeated the trick with a robust effort that dipped simply too late.
On the different finish, Viktor Gyokeres was hauled off by Arteta after one other poor efficiency as his purpose drought from open play prolonged to 10 video games.
Arteta needed to flip to his wealth of choices off the bench to try to flip the tide as Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli had been all launched within the hunt for a winner.
However they took till stoppage time to register a shot on purpose within the second half as Jesus and Martinelli fired too near Alisson Becker.
A degree edges fourth-placed Liverpool three factors away from Newcastle and Manchester United within the battle for a spot in subsequent season’s Champions League.
Martinelli ‘deeply sorry’
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli mentioned he had apologised to Conor Bradley for shoving the Liverpool defender off the pitch when badly injured.
Some pundits felt Martinelli ought to have been despatched off after the Brazilian dropped the ball on Bradley as he lay on the turf on the Emirates after which tried to manhandle him off the pitch so the sport might rapidly resume.
The 22-year-old Bradley left the stadium on crutches and sporting a supportive brace on his knee.
Martinelli was booked however not dismissed following the incident late within the recreation on Thursday which provoked an indignant response from Liverpool’s gamers.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane known as Martinelli “a shame” on Sky Sports activities.
In response to the backlash, Martinelli posted on Instagram: “Conor and I’ve messaged and I’ve already apologised to him.
“I actually did not perceive he was significantly injured within the warmth of the second.
“I need to say I am deeply sorry for reacting.
“Sending Conor all my finest once more for a fast restoration.”
