Arsenal failed to capitalise on slip-ups by title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa as a resolute Liverpool side held them to a goalless draw at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's side could have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League but were frustrated by a Liverpool defence that has been much criticised this season.
Liverpool had two strong penalty appeals turned down and Conor Bradley struck the crossbar with a first-half chip after an error by William Saliba. The visitors also felt a penalty should have been awarded when Florian Wirtz was tripped by Leandro Trossard early in the second half, but referee Anthony Taylor and VAR disagreed.
Bradley was taken off on a stretcher in injury time after Gabriel Martinelli attempted to push him off the pitch, twisting the Liverpool defender's knee. The Brazilian escaped a red card, much to the dismay of the visitors, though Liverpool head coach Arne Slot later gave Martinelli the benefit of the doubt.
Arsenal failed to register a shot on target in the second half until a Gabriel Jesus header deep into stoppage time, a concern for Arteta as Viktor Gyökeres delivered another ineffective performance. The Gunners were unable to replicate the intensity that swept Aston Villa aside in their previous home fixture.
Liverpool, without a recognised striker due to Hugo Ekitiké's injury, deployed Dominik Szoboszlai as a false nine. Bukayo Saka posed an early threat down the right, but the visitors grew into the game and looked more likely to break the deadlock in the closing stages.
