Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal and Liverpool shared a 0-0 draw at the Emirates, with both teams struggling to create clear chances
- The result allowed Arsenal to stay six points clear of Manchester City while Liverpool remain unbeaten in ten consecutive matches in all competitions
- This was the first goalless encounter between the two sides since August 2015
Cautious Tactics and Missed Opportunities
Arsenal and Liverpool contested a disappointing goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, failing to demonstrate the quality expected of title chasers and reigning champions. The highly anticipated derby produced very few clear-cut chances, with both sides opting for restrained, risk-averse football. The Gunners edged the first-half in terms of initiative, but it was Liverpool who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Conor Bradley’s effort rebounded off the woodwork. Despite greater control by the visitors in the second period, neither team managed to create meaningful opportunities, and Liverpool ended the match without a single attempt on target.
Honours even at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/DRWNuf04qy
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 8, 2026
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side preserved their unbeaten home record this season and maintained a six-point cushion over Manchester City. Liverpool extended their undefeated streak in all competitions to ten matches and guaranteed that Arsenal would not defeat them during the current campaign. The fixture ended 0-0 for the first time between these opponents since August 2015.
Team News and Line-up Changes
Mikel Arteta introduced two changes to his starting line-up compared to the encounter with Bournemouth, bringing in Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard in place of Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. The central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães was preserved, while Viktor Gyökeres led the attack.
Liverpool’s Arne Slot made a single alteration from the win over Fulham, with Jeremie Frimpong replacing Curtis Jones in the first eleven. Injuries continued to rule out Hugo Ekitike (completely missing from the squad), as well as Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, resulting in Cody Gakpo assuming responsibilities up front once more.
First Half: Arsenal’s Initiative, Liverpool’s Close Call
The opening 45 minutes saw Arsenal claim more possession and look marginally more dangerous, though clear opportunities were scarce. In the 16th minute, tension mounted in Liverpool’s penalty area after Timber’s header across goal was repelled by Virgil van Dijk. Soon after, Saka forced his way past Kerkez on the right and delivered a cut-back, but the Merseyside defence held firm.
Liverpool’s best spell came in the 27th minute when uncertainty between Saliba and goalkeeper Raya presented Conor Bradley with a shooting chance. His effort, lofted over the Arsenal keeper, crashed against the bar but stayed out.
A penalty appeal ensued in the 36th minute when Jeremie Frimpong collapsed in the area under contact from Hincapié and appeared to twist an ankle, but the referee waved play on. The injury did not stop Arsenal from counterattacking quickly, with Trossard ultimately shooting wide.
With ten minutes remaining in the half, Arsenal ramped up the pressure yet struggled to break down Liverpool’s defensive resolve. Saka was the home side’s most active attacker but could not find the breakthrough.
Second Half: Liverpool Dominate Possession, But Lack Penetration
The dynamic shifted after the interval as Liverpool increased their aggression and dominated possession. Early in the half, Florian Wirtz showcased his dribbling skills, beating several Arsenal defenders before going down in the box following Trossard’s challenge. VAR reviewed the incident but decided against awarding a penalty, despite evident contact.
The visitors hemmed Arsenal into their own half, restricting the hosts’ attacking forays. Arteta responded with a double substitution in the 64th minute, introducing Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli for the ineffective Viktor Gyökeres and Trossard.
Arsenal soon had their own penalty claim when Martinelli, pursuing a long ball from Ødegaard, went to ground after a nudge from Frimpong. A VAR check revealed that the Liverpool defender’s contact took place outside the penalty area and no foul was given.
Liverpool continued to look the more likely, as Frimpong’s 76th-minute cross was headed clear by Saliba, finding Szoboszlai, whose shot sailed over the bar. The Hungarian midfielder threatened again from a free kick in the 82nd minute, firing narrowly over.
Arsenal only registered a shot on target in stoppage time, when Jesus headed a Saliba cross towards Alisson, who made a comfortable save. Moments later, Martinelli cut in from the left and shot at goal but was also denied by the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Late Incidents and Final Moments
Additional time featured two notable incidents. First, Conor Bradley suffered what appeared to be a serious injury, prompting Martinelli to unsportingly attempt to move him off the pitch and receive a yellow card. Joe Gomez replaced Bradley, marking Liverpool’s sole substitution of the afternoon.
In the dying moments, Arsenal won a corner, and Gabriel headed wide as both sides were forced to settle for a point.
