By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@PremierLeague.
Premier League log leaders Arsenal failed to extend their lead over title rivals Manchester City to eight points following a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates.
Arsenal had the chance to strengthen their bid for a first title in 22 years after City and Aston Villa dropped points on Wednesday.
After a strong start from the home side, Liverpool went closest to a first-half opener as Conor Bradley hit the bar with a lobbed effort after a mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba.
Arsenal built momentum again as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice saw long-range efforts saved by Alisson Becker, but there was no way through a resolute Liverpool defence.
Arne Slot’s side, who extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games, took control of the game in the second half as Arsenal faded away.
Arsenal were struggling to get on the ball, but Raya remained untested. Dominik Szoboszlai, scorer of the only goal at Anfield with his brilliant free kick, might have changed that but he blazed over with 15 minutes to go.
There were half-chances for substitute Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in the closing stages — both easily saved by Alisson — and then Martinelli rightly courted the wrath of the Liverpool players after he shoved an injured Bradley off the pitch.