EPL: Arsenal go six points clear after goalless draw with Liverpool

Arsenal missed a chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Liverpool.

The Gunners, who had won their five previous Premier League matches, came into the match with a golden opportunity after title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa both drew on Wednesday.

Last season’s champions Liverpool, who came into the game on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, were without Hugo Ekitike which meant Arne Slot was forced to name a starting line-up without a recognised striker.

The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it was Liverpool who had the best chance when Conor Bradley seized on a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba and sent a chipped effort against the crossbar.

Arsenal fired a number of crosses into the box but there was nobody on hand to apply a finishing touch.

Liverpool were then the better team in the second half and looked more of a threat going forward, but neither side could find a way to take the three points.

Home substitute Gabriel Martinelli angered Liverpool in stoppage time, sparking a melee when he crudely attempted to push Bradley off the pitch after the defender went down close to the touchline with a painful knee injury.

Martinelli was booked after the incident and Bradley was taken away on a stretcher with hands over his face.

The result means Arsenal stay top, now six points ahead of their closest rivals, while Liverpool remain fourth.

BBC SPORTS