Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool: Slot’s Reds silence the Emirates as discipline and dominance earn a statement point

Liverpool produced one of their most mature away performances of the season to earn a hard-fought goalless draw against Premier League leaders Arsenal — a result that felt far more like two points dropped by the hosts than one gained by the visitors.

On a rain-soaked Thursday night in north London, Arne Slot’s side weathered an early Arsenal storm before taking complete control after the break, dominating possession, territory and tempo, and leaving the Emirates restless and irritable long before the final whistle.

For all the talk beforehand of Arsenal’s title momentum and Liverpool’s blunt attack, it was the Reds who finished the stronger, braver side — and who left the pitch feeling they may have deserved more.

Arsenal start fast, Liverpool absorb pressure

The opening exchanges followed the expected script. Arsenal pressed high, moved the ball quickly through midfield and repeatedly targeted Liverpool’s left flank, with Bukayo Saka enjoying early joy against Milos Kerkez.

Within the first 20 minutes, Liverpool could barely escape their own half. The hosts forced corners, pinned the Reds back and tested Alisson Becker through whipped efforts from Saka and long-range strikes from Declan

Rice.

But crucially, Arsenal failed to turn pressure into clear chances.

Liverpool defended with discipline and composure. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté dealt well with crosses, while Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones screened intelligently in midfield, slowing Arsenal’s rhythm.

Then came the moment that changed the tone of the game.

Bradley rattles the Emirates

In the 27th minute, a rare Arsenal mistake nearly proved fatal. A mix-up between David Raya and William Saliba gifted Conor Bradley possession 20 yards from goal.

The right-back reacted instantly, lifting an audacious chip over Raya — only to see the ball crash back off the crossbar, inches from silencing the home crowd.

Suddenly, the Emirates fell quiet.

That moment visibly shifted momentum. Liverpool grew in confidence, Arsenal hesitated, and Slot’s side began to string passes together with far more authority in the closing stages of the first half.

At the break, it remained 0–0 — but the feeling had changed.

Liverpool dominate the second half

If the first half belonged territorially to Arsenal, the second belonged decisively to Liverpool.

From the restart, the Reds bossed possession, at one point holding 75% of the ball in the second half, pinning Arsenal back and forcing Arteta’s side into a defensive shape rarely seen at home this season.

Alexis Mac Allister hit the bar with a header from a corner. Dominik Szoboszlai repeatedly tested Arsenal’s resolve from set-pieces, one dipping effort landing on the roof of the net. Florian Wirtz drifted intelligently between the lines, drawing fouls and nearly winning a penalty after a mazy run ended under a challenge from Trossard — a decision that split opinion even among Liverpool supporters.

Meanwhile, Arsenal grew increasingly frustrated.

Arteta was booked for leaving his technical area. The crowd groaned as possession was recycled harmlessly. Substitutes Eze, Madueke, Jesus and Martinelli were thrown on, but rather than swinging the game, their introductions only underlined Arsenal’s anxiety.

Liverpool, by contrast, looked the side trying to win it.

Late drama, tempers flare

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Arsenal pushed forward desperately — but Liverpool held firm.

Alisson produced a crucial save in the 92nd minute, clawing away Martinelli’s curling effort toward the far corner. Moments later, Jesus headed straight at the Brazilian.

Then came the night’s ugliest moment.

With Conor Bradley down injured near the touchline, clearly in pain, Gabriel Martinelli attempted to physically shove the Liverpool defender off the pitch to restart play quickly.

Liverpool’s players erupted. Ibrahima Konaté was booked in the ensuing fracas. Martinelli, disgracefully, escaped with only a yellow card.

Bradley was eventually stretchered off, hands covering his face — a deeply worrying sight for Slot, who later admitted he “fears the worst”.

Despite Arsenal winning a final corner in the 97th minute, Gabriel’s header drifted wide — and moments later the whistle blew.

Goaless. But far from uneventful.

By the numbers

The statistics underline Liverpool’s authority after the break:

• Possession: Arsenal 47.6% – 52.4% Liverpool
• Second-half possession: Liverpool ~75%
• xG: Arsenal 0.57 – 0.36 Liverpool
• Shots on target: Arsenal 4 – 0 Liverpool
• Touches in opposition box: Arsenal 24 – 11 Liverpool
• Corners: Arsenal 3 – 0 Liverpool

Arsenal recorded their second-lowest xG of the season, while Liverpool became the first team to take league points from the Emirates in 2025/26.

What it means

Liverpool remain fourth, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions — and, crucially, continuing a trend of defensive solidity against elite opposition.

This was not Klopp’s “heavy metal football”. It was controlled, measured, and at times blunt — but it was also intelligent, disciplined and resilient.

Arsenal looked like a team feeling the weight of expectation. Liverpool looked like a team rediscovering belief.

If Slot can now marry this control with sharper attacking edge, results like this may yet become wins.

For now, the Reds leave north London battered, unbeaten — and quietly encouraged.