Arsenal in control of title race; Liverpool needs to improve.

The opportunity for Arsenal to establish an eight-point lead in the Premier League standings was squandered as they played to a goalless 0-0 tie against reigning champions Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

During the initial half, the Gunners exhibited substantial control; however, Liverpool’s defender Conor Bradley came closest to breaking the deadlock for either team, striking the crossbar in the 27th minute after a defensive miscommunication involving Arsenal’s William Saliba and David Raya.

Liverpool, whose attacking line lacked a specialist central striker due to Hugo Ekitike’s injury absence, displayed enhanced performance post-interval but failed to generate any significant scoring opportunities.

Florian Wirtz fell within the penalty area following a challenge from Leandro Trossard, yet a penalty kick was not awarded subsequent to a concise VAR assessment.

Dominik Szoboszlai, who had previously decided the August return match with an outstanding free kick, nearly replicated that success as the match approached its final ten minutes, skimming the top of the net with a distant shot, but neither club managed to secure a decisive goal.

Conor Bradley departed the field on a stretcher during added time after a challenge by Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli subsequently seemed to shove Bradley from the playing surface, provoking a heated confrontation among players from both squads.

This outcome leaves Arsenal with a six-point advantage over Manchester City and Aston Villa, with the latter two being differentiated by goal difference. — James Olley

Arsenal widens their margin, yet falls short of eight

Following this fixture, Arsenal occupies a perplexing position, having regained their leading status in the league standings, but they are probably left with a sense of dissatisfaction regarding the six-point cushion.

A prime opportunity to achieve an eight-point separation presented itself after Manchester City’s 1-1 stalemate with Brighton & Hove Albion a day prior, and supporters arriving at Emirates Stadium fully expected a win over the struggling title holders.

Before kickoff, a promotional video and illuminated display welcomed the footballers onto the field, as the Gunners sought to electrify the spectators on a cold evening marked by heavy rainfall, but their squad failed to truly ignite.

Bukayo Saka troubled Liverpool’s left-back Milos Kerkez along the right flank, yet Alisson, the opposing goalkeeper, was not compelled to make any significant stops. Their expected goals metric concluded at a mere 0.52 from nine attempts. Liverpool’s stood at 0.36. Arteta became increasingly frustrated during the latter half – receiving a late booking for repeatedly exiting his designated coaching zone – and the concluding whistle was met with subdued clapping.

While they occupy their desired position, Arsenal possessed a chance to capitalize on City’s recent inconsistent performances and did not fully exploit it. — Olley

Liverpool defensively robust yet without offensive prowess

Liverpool has yet to secure a victory in 2026, and in their latest encounter with Arsenal, Arne Slot’s squad did not impress offensively, recording an expected goals figure of merely 0.36.

The deficiency in their attacking potency aligns with their recent performances and is an area requiring definite enhancement over the subsequent months, though the Reds anticipate that the forthcoming comeback of Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah will bolster this aspect.

Significantly, however, Liverpool contained Arsenal to an expected goals total of only 0.57, with Alisson seldom challenged in the away team’s net. Following the concession of 10 goals across three matches in November, Slot has remarkably solidified his team’s defensive structure, and their performance versus Arsenal ought to serve as a defensive model moving forward.

Achieving equilibrium between offensive aggression and defensive solidity represents one of the most substantial challenges Slot must address in the forthcoming weeks. — Beth Lindop

Liverpool demonstrates a requirement for additional players

The present disparity in team quality between Arsenal and Liverpool became most apparent before the start of the match at the Emirates. Although the home side’s substitutes’ bench boasted a wealth of skill, featuring summer arrivals Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Liverpool’s most seasoned attacking option was Federico Chiesa, who has accumulated only 228 minutes in the premier division this term.

It must be acknowledged that player injuries are hindering Liverpool’s efforts. Hugo Ekitike did not recover sufficiently to participate in Thursday’s match, and Mohamed Salah is anticipated to rejoin the squad from the Africa Cup of Nations subsequent to this month.

However, considering that British-record acquisition Alexander Isak is projected to be unavailable for multiple months due to a fractured tibia and ankle, and central defender Giovanni Leoni is slated to miss action until the next campaign, Liverpool would greatly benefit from additional personnel in both their defensive and offensive departments.

Notwithstanding substantial summer expenditures, the titleholders exhibit insufficient squad depth compared to their Premier League competitors, a predicament intensified by the spectacle of right-back Conor Bradley being removed from the field on a stretcher during injury time. A few fresh signings this month might invigorate their faltering season. — Lindop

Another challenging evening for Gyökeres

This marks ten consecutive matches without a goal from open play for Viktor Gyökeres. Arteta will persist in asserting that Gyökeres contributes significantly beyond merely scoring, yet frankly, scant proof of this was apparent on Thursday.

He managed only eight touches during his 64 minutes on the field, recording no involvement between the 11th and 40th minutes, and just one after the break. This represents his lowest count from any of his starts for the club. At least two threatening crosses occurred where a team would anticipate their formidable central attacker to be positioned, but Gyökeres was conspicuously absent.

Several mitigating circumstances exist – a challenging preseason awaiting his transfer, various injuries, and the reality that Arsenal’s collective attack has not consistently performed fluidly despite their league-leading position – however, at some juncture, Arteta might need to consider alternative options, at least temporarily, to spearhead his offense.

Gabriel Jesus has regained fitness, Mikel Merino is cleared for play, and Kai Havertz’s comeback from knee operation is approaching. Viktor Gyökeres has certainly not deteriorated as a player suddenly – a remarkable tally of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP commands recognition – yet the anticipation for better performances in an Arsenal jersey continues. — Olley

A hard-fought point provides Slot with encouragement

Following Liverpool’s triumph over Arsenal at Anfield in the closing days of August, that win played a part in Arne Slot receiving the Premier League’s manager of the month accolade.

The Dutch coach journeyed to north London on Thursday evening under markedly altered conditions, as dissatisfaction grew among the fan base subsequent to a series of uninspired displays. While Liverpool did not clinch a victory at the Emirates, their showing should undoubtedly enhance Slot’s reputation amongst followers.

Scarcely anyone anticipated the reigning champions would claim any points from the club appearing ready to seize their title this campaign, yet their dedication and, during the second period, authentic skill demonstrated against Mikel Arteta’s squad, served as a pertinent recall that they remain formidable opponents for any team when playing at their best.

Although Slot continues to face the task of reinstating the dynamism and confidence that drove his athletes to the championship last season, it is evident that the team’s locker room maintains its cohesion, and the fundamental components for triumph are still present. — Lindop