Arsenal go six points clear at Premier League summit after goalless draw with Liverpool
Arsenal went six points clear of title rivals Manchester City following a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
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After City limped to a draw against Brighton on Wednesday, the Gunners had the chance to put clear daylight between themselves and Pep Guardiola's side at the top of the table.
But while Arsenal enjoyed the best of the first half – despite Conor Bradley hitting the woodwork for Liverpool – the hosts spent much of the second period penned in by the side they are bidding to dethrone as champions.
Dominik Szoboszlai came closest when his free-kick dropped just over the crossbar as Arsenal rarely threatened.
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Nevertheless, the draw takes Arsenal six points clear of City, in a bid to end their 22-year wait for a title with Liverpool 14 points behind.
Liverpool, still without top scorer Hugo Ekitike through injury, were on the ropes but they came within inches of delivering the opener.
William Saliba read Bradley’s attempted through-ball but was then caught off-guard by a gung-ho David Raya. Saliba’s pass to his goalkeeper carried too much speed, and Raya could prod it clear only to Bradley, with the full-back’s audacious chip striking the hosts’ crossbar.
Tempers flared when Jeremie Frimpong went over on his left ankle in the Arsenal penalty area. The home side played on – winning a corner at the other end – and Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk exchanged words.
Florian Wirtz wanted a penalty following a robust challenge from Leandro Trossard moments after the restart, but VAR agreed with referee Anthony Taylor’s on-field decision not to award a spot-kick.
There were half-chances for Jesus and Martinelli in the closing stages – both easily saved by Alisson – and then Martinelli rightly courted the wrath of the Liverpool players after he shoved an injured Bradley off the pitch.
The full-back was taken off on a stretcher, before Gabriel headed a corner wide, as the points were shared on a night where Arsenal wanted to make a statement but fell short.