Lullaby from Arsenal and Liverpool that fuels Man City’s hopes

In the Premier League round’s marquee clash between Arsenal and Liverpool, the spectacle fell well short of expectations. Arsenal controlled the first half, but the only clear chance before the break came at the other end, when Conor Bradley struck the crossbar. After the interval, Liverpool enjoyed more of the ball and spent long spells probing around the Arsenal penalty area, yet apart from Dominik Szoboszlai’s effort from a free-kick, there was little real danger created. The goalless draw ultimately suits Manchester City, as Arsenal failed to fully capitalize on Pep Guardiola’s side dropping points against Brighton.

Arsenal controlled possession during the opening fifteen minutes, dictating the tempo but failing to seriously threaten Liverpool’s goal. The home side moved the ball well, yet lacked a final touch in the attacking third.

Bukayo Saka provided the first moment of danger in the 15th minute when he surged down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the penalty area, but there was no teammate arriving to apply the finish.

Saka was again at the heart of Arsenal’s play three minutes later, cutting in from the left before firing a shot that was comfortably gathered by Alisson — the first real attempt of the match. Liverpool then came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute.

A costly mistake from William Saliba, who played a risky pass back to David Raya from close range, allowed Conor Bradley to pounce. The Spaniard failed to clear convincingly, and Bradley’s clever lob beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the crossbar, marking the best chance of the first half.

Arsenal responded by increasing the pressure. In the 36th minute, Leandro Trossard created space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful effort that would have troubled Alisson, but a Liverpool defender threw himself in the way to make a crucial block and concede a corner.

Just before the break, Declan Rice tested the Liverpool goalkeeper with a well-struck volley following another Arsenal move, yet Alisson was equal to it. Despite moments of danger at both ends, the teams went into half-time level at 0–0.

Liverpool took control of the game in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half, enjoying more possession and pushing Arsenal back for long spells. Arne Slot’s side looked the more proactive team during this period, but despite the increased pressure, they failed to carve out any clear-cut chances, with Arsenal also struggling to mount a meaningful response.

The second half was largely short on excitement, with almost thirty minutes passing before either side managed a shot at goal. Liverpool finally broke that drought through Dominik Szoboszlai, whose powerful first-time volley flew over David Raya’s crossbar.

The Hungarian midfielder was again involved late on, stepping up in the 82nd minute to take a free-kick from around 25 meters. His effort was well struck but ultimately sailed just over the Arsenal goal, as the match drifted toward a goalless conclusion.

Before the final whistle, Arsenal threatened through Gabriel Martinelli, who produced a strong run down the left flank, but his effort was hit straight at Alisson.

It is interesting to note that Arne Slot made his first substitution of the match only in the 96th minute — and it was a forced one.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 21

Tuesday

West Ham - Nottingham Forest 1-2 (1-0)

/Murillo 13 og - Dominguez 55, Gibbs-White 89 pen/

Wednesday

Bournemouth - Tottenham 3-2 (2-1)

/Evanilson 22, Kroupi 36, Semenyo 90+5 - Tel 5, Palhinha 78/

Brentford - Sunderland 3-0 (1-0)

/Thiago 30, 65, Yarmolyuk 73/

Crystal Palace - Aston Villa 0-0

Everton - Wolverhampton 1-1 (1-0)

/Keane 17 - Mane 69/

Fulham - Chelsea 2-1 (0-0)

/Jimenez 55, Wilson 81 - Delap 72

Man. City - Brighton 1-1 (1-0)

/Haaland 41 pen - Mitoma 60/

Burnley - Man. United 2-2 (1-0)

/Heaven 13 og, Anthony 66 - Sesko 50, 60/

Newcastle - Leeds 4-3 (1-2)

/Barnes 36, 90+12, Joelinton 54, Guimaraes 90+1 pen - Aaronson 32, 79, Calvert-Lewin 45+5 pen/

Thursday

Arsenal - Liverpool 0-0