Arsenal let a major opportunity slip at the Emirates Stadium after being held to a 0-0 draw by Liverpool, a result that slowed their push toward a long-awaited Premier League title. With Manchester City stumbling in recent weeks, the stage was set for Mikel Arteta’s side to stretch their lead at the summit. Instead, a tense, weather-hit contest ended without a breakthrough, leaving both teams with mixed feelings about what might have been gained.
The atmosphere before kick-off suggested a defining afternoon. The Emirates was loud and confident, fuelled by the knowledge that three consecutive draws for City had opened a clear path for Arsenal to tighten their grip on the title race. However, once the match began, rhythm was hard to find. Storm Goretti brought heavy rain and swirling winds, disrupting passing patterns and making control difficult for both sides.
Arsenal dominated territory early on and pushed Liverpool deep for much of the first half. Despite that control, clear chances were rare. In fact, it was Liverpool who came closest to scoring before the break. A loose backpass from William Saliba left David Raya stranded, allowing Conor Bradley to attempt an ambitious lob that struck the underside of the crossbar. It was a moment that briefly silenced the home crowd and underlined Arsenal’s vulnerability even while on top.
The goalless first half marked unfamiliar territory for Arsenal at home this season. Still, their defensive structure remained solid, ensuring they reached the interval level and in control of the broader picture at the top of the table.
Why did Arsenal fail to capitalize on City’s slip-ups?
The second half told a different story. Liverpool emerged with more authority, dominating possession and pushing Arsenal deeper. However, their attacking edge was blunted by absences. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were sidelined through injury, while Mohamed Salah remained away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Without their most reliable finishers, Liverpool struggled to convert promising spells into real danger.
Jeremie Frimpong’s pace offered the visitors an outlet, but his final delivery failed to trouble Arsenal consistently. Dominik Szoboszlai came close to repeating his previous heroics against the Gunners with a dipping free-kick, yet it dropped just too late to trouble Raya.
At the other end, Arsenal’s own attacking issues became clear. Viktor Gyokeres endured another frustrating outing, extending his goal drought from open play to 10 games before being withdrawn by Arteta. In search of a breakthrough, the Arsenal manager turned to his bench, introducing Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli. Despite the quality added, Arsenal struggled to test Alisson Becker, managing their first shot on target in the second half only during stoppage time.
What does the draw mean for Arsenal and Liverpool going forward?
While Arsenal missed the chance to move eight points clear, the draw still extended their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points. It was also the first time they failed to score at home all season, a reminder that the margin for error at the top remains slim.
For Liverpool, the point reinforced their strong recent form. Although they fell out of the title race earlier in the campaign, they are now 10 games unbeaten and continue to consolidate their position in the top four. The draw moves them three points clear of Newcastle and Manchester United in the fight for Champions League qualification next season.
By Yockshard Enyendi