The title fight Premier League remains open. THE Liverpool managed to hold back the leader’s momentum Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, in London, preventing Mikel Arteta’s men from moving eight points clear of the table. The equality for 0 a 0 left the gap at the top, still comfortable, at six for Manchester City and Aston Villa (49 to 43).
After a first half with a lot of competition and little finishing – Arsenal even hit the post -, the final stage began with Liverpool a little more daring, wanting to silence the noisy Emirates Stadium. Wirtz fell into the box asking for a penalty and angered the stands. Counterattacks were rare but dangerous. As did Szoboslai’s free kicks.
Milos Kerkez stops Bukayo Saka from advancing during a duel in the Premier League. Photo: Ian Walton/AP
On the other hand, the cold weather and light rain were additional opponents for leader Arsenal, in addition to the visitors’ well-armed defensive system. Mikel Arteta knew he couldn’t miss the golden chance to open the giant lead that was unlikely a few rounds ago and pushed the team to attack. The order was to score under pressure as soon as the ball came out.
But things weren’t working out for the home team. When he had the ball at his feet, he couldn’t make the last pass and, consequently, didn’t give Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson any trouble. Arteta, however, showed no signs of changing the team – Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli were good options in reserve.
It was only after 19 minutes that the Gunners commander surrendered to the green and yellow duo, seeing that there was no point in insisting with the subdued Trossard and Gyökeres. And the fans were enthusiastic about the exchanges, especially with Martinelli, who usually punishes Liverpool.
Without a fixed center forward and with more floating attackers, Arsenal wanted more agility in their moves to break through the red bolt. It turns out he needed the ball. And Liverpool made time pass with short, aimless passes, visibly happy with the 0-0 score.
Arsenal began to despair and miss short passes, to the dismay of Arteta, who demanded patience in the face of a current champion who was missing, but confident on the field, aware of the plans of his commander, Arne Slot.
Time passed and Arsenal regretted a home stumble in which they only got a shot on target in stoppage time, thanks to a weak header from Gabriel Jesus and a placed shot from Martinelli. Alisson defended both without any problems.
