January 14, (THEWILL) – Jurgen Klopp may have fielded the strongest side he could select and still the Reds were unable to lead Liverpool to victory in the rescheduled EFL Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, when with a numerical advantage for much of the tie.
The Reds struggled to break down the ten men of North London in a game that saw Granit Xhaka sent off for hauling down Diogo Jota. The ten men of North London defended resolutely to ensure that the aggregate score line of this cup tie remained goalless before the reverse fixture at the Emirates next week.
Liverpool dominated the game, as one could assume when they have a man advantage. However, the lack of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane from that electrifying front three meant they never really got a chance to finish off the Gunners.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were key in the majority of the hosts’ approach play, but the right-back was substituted in the final quarter-hour as he recovers from COVID-19.
Bukayo Saka came closest for Arsenal, but Alisson Becker blocked an opportunity at his feet after a good burst from left-back Kierney.
As the hosts continued to press, Ben White made a critical interception on an Andy Robertson cross that seemed like it would be turned goalward by Roberto Firmino, and Takumi Minamino pulled a shot wide of Aaron Ramsdale’s far post.
With the net at his mercy, Minamino epitomised the entire game that Liverpool was playing when he skied an open goal opportunity right at the end. Arsenal maintained their back five formation and were able to exit Anfield with a goalless draw.
Arteta’s team was tenacious, displaying superb defensive effort and a solid structure to scrape out a point, aggravating the home crowd, who booed their displeasure at the final whistle. Minamino’s late miss summed up the toothless performance but the Gunners held on for the crucial clean sheet that brilliantly sets up the reverse tie at the Emirates.
The unbreachable Arsenal defense owes much to the outstanding work that Ben White put in and it was a clear justification of why the club paid big for his services. He had a response for everything thrown at him, proved his worth by providing a critical block and interception in either half to preserve his side’s sheet clean.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
