Liverpool stretched their unbeaten run to 10 games as they earned a 0-0 draw against leaders Arsenal.
The game had few goalscoring chances, but the Reds - defending Premier League champions - were the better side at the Emirates Stadium. Arne Slot would have been pleased with the resolve that his side showed and their second-half performance, which was fairly dominant for large periods without a cutting edge. That was not a big surprise given the visitors were missing Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, although there was encouragement to take for the spirit on display.
Match report
Liverpool had to soak up early pressure, although Arsenal did not create anything clear cut. Gunners talisman Bukayo Saka went for goal from outside of the box in the 18th minute but Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a fairly comfortable save.
The visitors did start to grow into the game and with their maiden opportunity, they went agonisingly close to scoring when Conor Bradley struck the crossbar after home keeper David Raya made a rushed clearance.
Arsenal ended the opening period on top, although Declan Rice’s improvised effort was easily gathered by Alisson.
It was Liverpool who were in the ascendancy for much of the second period, with Dominik Szoboszlai firing one effort over and another shot well blocked. Despite being on their own patch, Arsenal had to wait until stoppage-time to have an attempt on goal in the second period, with Gabriel Jesus having a header and Gabriel Martinelli having a shot down kept out by Alisson. And with the last touch, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes headed wide from a corner.
The spoils were shared but it will be Liverpool the happier of the two teams at the full-time whistle.
Liverpool player ratings vs Arsenal
Kept hold of a couple of shots that came his way in treacherous conditions during the first half. Had to wait until stoppage-time to make two solid saves.
1. Alisson Becker - 7
Kept hold of a couple of shots that came his way in treacherous conditions during the first half. Had to wait until stoppage-time to make two solid saves. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Went so close to breaking the deadlock with his shot, with his foray causing the mistake for the ball to break. Such a sad sight to see him stretchered off in the closing stages.
2. Conor Bradley - 6
Went so close to breaking the deadlock with his shot, with his foray causing the mistake for the ball to break. Such a sad sight to see him stretchered off in the closing stages. | Getty Images
Marshalled his defence well in the first half to go into the break level. Continued that way after the interval.
3. Virgil van Dijk - 7
Marshalled his defence well in the first half to go into the break level. Continued that way after the interval. | Getty Images
Did what was required in the first half, making three blocks and two clearances. Mopped up everything in the second half. Booked late on.
4. Ibrahima Konate - 8
Did what was required in the first half, making three blocks and two clearances. Mopped up everything in the second half. Booked late on. | AFP via Getty Images