Liverpool was held to a goalless draw by Arsenal at the Emirates in London on Thursday in a result that did little to help either side in the Premier League table
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
15:43, 09 Jan 2026Updated 15:58, 09 Jan 2026
Declan Rice lost his composure during Thursday's game
Declan Rice lost his composure during Thursday's game(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool reaffirmed its status as the reigning Premier League champion with a well-earned goalless draw against Arsenal on Thursday.
Conor Bradley nearly broke the deadlock when he hit the crossbar in the first half, before being substituted due to what looked like a severe knee injury in a second half dominated by Arne Slot's team. Gabriel Martinelli created headlines by pushing Bradley while he was nursing his injury on the floor.
The outcome means the Reds have now secured four points from a possible six against the Gunners this season and extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 10 matches.
READ MORE: Liverpool injury news and possible return dates after Conor Bradley setbackREAD MORE: Gary Lineker shares Liverpool 'rumor' he heard about Arne Slot and Richard Hughes relationship
However, there were several moments that went unnoticed or underappreciated during the 90 minutes at the Emirates...
Rice boils
In recent years, Arsenal has gained a reputation for being somewhat prickly, often pushing boundaries. This was evident in a tense match that occasionally erupted, with the London side showing frustration at being outplayed by Liverpool.
One incident in the first half saw Arsenal continue attacking despite Jeremie Frimpong lying injured in the home penalty area.
Gabriel Martinelli created headlines by pushing an injured Conor Bradley
Gabriel Martinelli created headlines by pushing an injured Conor Bradley(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool players were not pleased when play eventually stopped, leading to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice confronting Virgil van Dijk. It didn't take long for the Reds' captain to put the England player in his place.
Message to Van Dijk
A heartwarming moment unfolded post-match when Van Dijk shared a letter he received from Liverpool's mascot for the game on social media.
"I know you and the team are going through a tough time at the moment, but I want you to know you are such an inspiration to me and so many others as a player, a leader, and a human," the letter read.
"You will figure this out like always before. We are a team, we are friends, and most importantly, we are a family."
Only one Jan
Forget about the players on the pitch on Thursday. The list of former pros in the press room before the match was equally impressive.
Article continues below
Representing Arsenal were Ian Wright, Freddie Ljungberg, Emmanuel Petit, and Robert Pires, while fighting Liverpool's corner were Michael Owen, Jan Molby, Nigel Spackman, Danny Murphy, and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, with Peter Schmeichel, Jan Aage Fjortoft, and Andy Townsend also present.
That would make a formidable line-up, albeit one with a rather daring 0-6-4 formation and Fjortoft warming the bench.
He won't mind.