Arsenal missed an opportunity to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League on Thursday night, playing out a 0-0 draw against an injury-hit Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Despite Manchester City and Aston Villa dropping points on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to capitalize, ending their seven-game home winning streak under the rain of Storm Goretti.
The match struggled for rhythm as Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target in a passive second half. Summer signing Viktor Gyökeres continued his difficult run, extending his goal drought in open play to double figures before being replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 64th minute.
Arteta introduced several attacking substitutes, including Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, but the hosts could not break down a dogged Liverpool defense. "The second half was a real struggle," Arteta said post-match. "These games need a magic moment but it didn’t happen. But if you can’t win it then don’t lose it."
Liverpool arrived in North London without a recognized striker due to injuries to Hugo Ekitiké, and Alexander Isak. Arne Slot utilized Dominik Szoboszlai as a false nine with Florian Wirtz in support, a tactic that successfully neutralized Arsenal's early possession dominance.
The visitors came closest to scoring in the first half when right-back Conor Bradley seized on a back-pass mix-up between William Saliba and David Raya. Bradley’s chipped effort struck the crossbar, and Cody Gakpo’s follow-up was blocked, sparing the hosts' blushes.
The evening ended on a controversial note when Conor Bradley was forced off with a serious knee injury in stoppage time. Frustrated by the delay, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli attempted to usher the defender off the pitch, leading to an ugly confrontation between both sets of players.
Bradley eventually left on a stretcher and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches. "I understand you want to win, we want to win as well, but I think the health of a player is much more important than something else," Liverpool’s Szoboszlai remarked regarding the incident.
Martinelli, who was booked for his actions, later issued an apology on Instagram, stating he did not realize the severity of the injury in the heat of the moment. Manager Mikel Arteta defended the Brazilian, calling him an "incredible, lovely guy" who acted without malice.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted he feared the worst for Bradley’s scan results but noted the defender’s contribution to a game where Liverpool’s "much-maligned" defence held the league leaders at bay.
Despite the frustration in North London, Arteta remained optimistic about his side’s positioning heading into the final months of the season. "We have had a very demanding schedule with six games over the Christmas period and we have come out of that in a really strong position," he said. While the draw felt like a missed statement for Arsenal, they remain the favourites to claim their first title since 2004, provided they can rediscover the clinical edge that was missing on Thursday night.