Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool: The Gunners missed a chance to extend their lead at the top to a commanding eight points after facing a depleted Reds at home.
They regained a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. But Arsenal will learn that this was a wasted opportunity to really prove their authority in the title race.
A win for Arsenal would move them eight points clear and send a clear message to rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa, but they dropped two points instead of one against an injury-hit Liverpool side.
And their failure to make the most of that advantage will reignite old questions about whether Mikel Arteta’s men, who have finished runners-up in the past three seasons, have the mentality to finally get over the line.
Incredibly, this was the first time Arsenal had failed to score in a competitive match since their defeat to Liverpool on August 31st.
And yet another underachieving striker, Victor Gokeres, drew a blank, making just eight touches in 64 minutes, the fewest in a game in which he played at least 20 minutes.
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Arsenal’s pre-match light show with a video entitled ‘Light the Furnace’ also failed as it was a decidedly lukewarm match despite the size of the match.
To be fair, on a cold, rainy night in north London, bracing for Storm Goretti to take hold, it was rocking wildly for Arsenal as anticipation turned to frustration.
Also, the pitch was heavy and wet, and the ball flew across the grass at great speed. It certainly didn’t make life easier, but it was very much the same for both parties.
Leandro Trossard was booked early to bring back Florian Wirths, but overall Arsenal were in control, with Liverpool sitting deep as Bukayo Circa looked to create chances down the right.
But just when Arsenal thought they were in the lead, they were suddenly hit with a real scare that made their dastardly defense look extremely vulnerable.
There was a mix-up between William Saliba and David Raya, and the Arsenal keeper almost got caught on the backpass, but reacted slightly and hacked the ball away.
The ball fell straight to Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley, who attempted an ambitious shot from 30 yards out, but the ball hit the underside of the bar, sending Arsenal fans into a frenzy.
Arsenal had a lot of possession but struggled to create clear chances. Declan Rice drilled a shot, but it was saved by Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker.
But Arsenal’s bigger frustration was once again with £64m centre-forward Gokeres. Gökeres has so far failed to live up to its price tag and expectations.
The argument about how hard he works and connects defenders is very convincing, but this was the night Arsenal needed him in the box.
But time and time again Gokeres would drop too deep looking for the ball, only to find it nowhere to be found when Arsenal delivered a cross.
Arsenal’s level dropped significantly after half-time and suddenly Liverpool had the upper hand. No wonder Gokeres became obsessed with Gabriel Jesus.
Even after introducing Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal were unable to find the extra gear they needed, and Liverpool sensed their moment as the game progressed and tensions crept into the stadium.
In the end, Arsenal were eliminated, it was Liverpool who finished stronger and the home side would probably have been happy to have taken the point.
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