Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points but were held to a goalless draw in a frustrating encounter with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. With title rivals Manchester City dropping points earlier in the week, the Gunners failed to capitalise on the opportunity to pull further ahead.
The home side dominated the opening stages, forcing Liverpool to defend deep, but lacked ruthlessness in the final third. Liverpool came closest to a winner when Conor Bradley chipped goalkeeper David Raya and struck the crossbar after a defensive mix-up. The visitors grew into the game and controlled possession in the second half, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
A controversial moment late in the match saw Gabriel Martinelli shove an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch as he lay on the turf, sparking anger among Liverpool players. Bradley was subsequently stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury, with Joe Gomez replacing him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended Martinelli, saying: 'Probably he doesn't know because knowing Gabi, there is zero intention.' Liverpool boss Arne Slot saw his side extend their unbeaten run to 10 games, but a third consecutive draw left them six points adrift of the leaders.
Both teams lacked creativity without key attacking players, and a game that lacked magic moments ended in a stalemate that suited Liverpool more than Arsenal. The result maintains Arsenal's position at the summit but raises questions about their ability to break down stubborn defences.
