Liverpool FC wrested a draw from Premier League leaders Arsenal FC with a strong performance after the break.
Leaders Arsenal FC have been thwarted by Liverpool FC in the Premier League. Team manager Mikel Arteta’s team couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against the Reds led by national soccer player Florian Wirtz and stumbled for the first time after five league wins in a row.
The Gunners, whose national player Kai Havertz was missing from the squad like last matchday, were unable to take advantage of their pursuers’ mistakes to further extend their lead in the table. With 49 points, Arsenal are ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa (both 43 points), who each had to settle for a draw the day before.
Wirtz as a center forward
Liverpool are in fourth place (35) after their third draw in a row. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai spoke of another step forward. “We’ve shown that we can keep up with a team from the top of the table. We’ll take that with us,” he said on Sky.
However, team manager Arne Slot’s team struggled initially. The offensive surrounding Wirtz barely made an appearance. The ex-Leverkusen player had to play up front in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké.
Liverpool improved after the break
Arsenal applied pressure from the start and repeatedly pushed the visitors deep into their half. In the second half, Liverpool dominated the game, but there was a lack of dangerous scoring opportunities on both sides.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot decided not to make any tactical changes in view of his team’s improved performance, but still had to react in stoppage time. Conor Bradley appeared to be seriously injured and had to be carried off the field, with Joe Gomez replacing him.