Goalless draw between Arsenal and Liverpool:

London, January 09: Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League 2025-26 to eight points as they faced a disappointing 0-0 draw with defending champions Liverpool at the rain-soaked Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last seven home league matches and will be hoping to put pressure on their title rivals, especially after Manchester City and Aston Villa dropped points the night before. However, Liverpool—who were struggling with injuries and without any recognized striker—did not allow Arsenal the opportunity to play freely.

Arsenal controlled the ball early in the match, but Liverpool gradually gained momentum and came closest to taking the lead in the first half. Connor Bradley’s chip shot hit the crossbar, while Cody Gakpo’s follow-up shot was blocked by the defense.

In the second half, Arteta showed aggressive attitude and made several changes, but their impact was limited. Despite fielding the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Arsenal’s attacking line remained ineffective and the contest gradually faded away.

The draw leaves Arsenal six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top, while Liverpool remain fourth and 14 points off the top despite a nine-match unbeaten league streak.

Arsenal’s dominance was almost non-existent in the second half. The team did not even get a corner till stoppage time and its famous set-piece strategy also did not work. At the end of the match, disappointment was visible on the faces of the players and spectators, although with 17 matches remaining, Arsenal are still considered favorites to win their first English league title since 2004.

Arteta said after the match,

“The second half was very difficult for us. In such matches, a special moment is needed, which did not come. But if you cannot win, you should not lose. We played six matches during the Christmas period and despite this we are in a strong position.”

Liverpool were justified in getting the points, although they suffered another injury blow at the end when Bradley was stretchered off the field. During the incident, Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt to remove the injured player from the field led to a controversy and he was shown a yellow card.

Liverpool midfielder Dominic Sobosly said,

“We want to win, they also want to win, but a player’s health is more important than anything else.”

match status

The stage was punishment for Arsenal taking the lead in the title race after losing points to Manchester City and Aston Villa. Arsenal controlled possession in the opening minutes, but apart from a shot from Bukayo Saka, could not create any major chances.

Liverpool, who were playing without key players like Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, deserved the first big chance. Taking advantage of a misunderstanding between William Saliba and goalkeeper David Raya, Bradley fired a brilliant effort which unfortunately hit the crossbar.

The pattern of the match did not change in the second half also. Arsenal looked lethargic and Liverpool controlled the pace of the game. In the end, despite playing with four attackers, Arsenal failed to score in the league for the first time since August.

In this way, Arsenal had to be satisfied with one point at a crucial moment in the title race.