LIV 0-0 ARS: Match review and player ratings from both clubs

It was a great log ahead between Liverpool and Arsenal as the game ended draw.

Arsenal overcame Granit Xhaka’s red card and fought hard to draw 0-0 with Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, giving them a chance to reach the final at Wembley.

When Xhaka pulled down Diogo Jota, who was rushing in on goal before the Swiss booted him in the ribs, he gave the home side the advantage.

During the first half, though, the hosts were clumsy and cumbersome in possession, allowing Arsenal to reclaim numbers in defence as they tried to break down their opponents.

On the counter, the Gunners were dangerous, with Bukayo Saka very lively, but they couldn’t keep possession for long enough and were forced to deal with Liverpool’s pressure for the majority of the game.

Liverpool failed to record a shot on target in the first 80 minutes despite their continuous pressing, with the absences of AFCON duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being particularly noticeable.

Jota has prospered alongside them, and Takumi Minamino has already scored four goals in the Carabao Cup this season, but neither of them, nor Roberto Firmino, looked like scoring on an otherwise poor night for Liverpool.

After Aaron Ramsdale made a mess of a cross, Minamino had a chance to win the game, but he could only slice a half-volley over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Arsenal, who had Martin Odegaard ruled out with Covid-19 before Cedric Soares was injured and replaced inside 12 minutes, now have a serious chance of reaching the final, with Chelsea awaiting the match-winner.

Player Ratings:

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale (6), Kieran Tierney (6), Cedric Soares (1), Ben White (8), Gabriel (7), Bukayo Saka (7), Eddie Nketiah (7), Alexandre Lacazette (7), Granit Xhaka (6), Albert Sambi Lokonga (7), Gabriel Martinelli (6).

Subs: Nuno Tavares (4), Rob Holding (7), Calum Chambers (6).