Arsenal fail to score at home for the first time this season in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool, extending their Premier League lead to six points.
LONDON: Arsenal missed a major opportunity to stretch their lead at the Premier League summit in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Arsenal failed to score at home for the first time all season despite the chance to move eight points clear.
Liverpool, one of only two sides to beat Arsenal this term, came closest to breaking the deadlock when Conor Bradley’s lob struck the crossbar before half-time.
Storm Goretti’s torrential rain and swirling winds contributed to a flat spectacle between the defending champions and the league leaders.
The visitors were penned in for much of the first half but grew into the game after the interval.
Liverpool dominated possession and territory in the second period but lacked a cutting edge without injured forwards Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Mohamed Salah was also absent due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jeremie Frimpong’s pace caused problems for Arsenal, but his final ball was lacking.
Dominik Szoboszlai nearly repeated his match-winning free-kick from the previous meeting with a powerful effort that dipped just over.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was substituted after another poor performance, extending his goal drought from open play to 10 games.
Arteta introduced Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench in search of a winner.
The Gunners did not register a shot on target in the second half until stoppage time, when Jesus and Martinelli fired straight at Alisson Becker.
The point extends Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 10 games, consolidating their top-four place.
Jurgen Klopp’s side now sit three points clear of Newcastle and Manchester United in the battle for Champions League qualification.
