Arsenal and Liverpool shared an entertaining goalless draw in the Premier League this evening.
Philippe Coutinho hit the bar early on for the Reds, before Aaron Ramsey had a goal harshly ruled out for offside.
Christian Benteke then saw a close-range effort saved by Petr Cech, and the goalkeeper pushed a strike from Coutinho onto the post, as the Reds made a strong end to the first half.
The Gunners dominated after the break, and Alexis Sanchez struck the post, but they were unable to find a breakthrough as they failed to score for the second home game running.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at the Emirates.
Match statistics
ARSENAL
Shots: 19
On target: 5
Possession: 66%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 2
LIVERPOOL:
Shots: 15
On target: 8
Possession: 34%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
A draw was the fair result this evening, but both teams will feel that they could have won the match. Liverpool completely dominated the first half and had a number of opportunities to find the net. However, Coutinho was unfortunate to see two of his efforts hit the woodwork, while Cech made a couple of outstanding saves to keep the Gunners in the tie. Despite those chances for Liverpool, Ramsey had a goal ruled out early on for offside, when he looked to be in line with last defender.
Arsenal had been guilty of losing the ball cheaply in the opening half, but they came out strongly after the break and looked the side more likely to snatch the points. They had a great chance to take the lead when Sanchez hit the post, while Olivier Giroud forced Simon Mignolet into a fine save from his close-range strike. They continued to push Liverpool back deep inside their own half, but a winning goal proved elusive and they had to settle for a point.
Arsenal's performance
The Gunners were deprived of their first-choice central defenders this evening, as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were both ruled out, leaving Calum Chambers and Gabriel to fill the void. Their lack of playing time together was evident to see, as they made a nervy start to the match and were caught out of position frequently. Chambers was continuously guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas, and his performance rubbed off on those around him. Arsenal were fortunate to have Cech in such inspired form, as the keeper made some outstanding saves to ensure that the scores were level at the break.
Arsene Wenger must have had some strong words for his players at the interval, as they took a firm grip of the match in the second half and began to play their more familiar brand of football. Sanchez was able to get far more involved and he came close with a low strike that hit the woodwork. Although Wenger will have been pleased at the response from his side, he may be concerned by their lack of goals at this stage in the season, as they drew a blank at home for the second consecutive match.
Liverpool's performance
The Reds were good value for a point this evening, but they could easily have scored two or three goals in the opening half. However, they found Cech at the top of his game, while Coutinho saw two attempts his the frame of the goal. Benteke may feel that he should have scored with an effort from inside the six-yard box that was well saved, but the Belgian caused a number of problems for the Arsenal defence, who could not get to grips with his strength and direct approach.
Liverpool seemed to tire after the break, and they could not keep up the same intensity that they showed in the first period. They were pushed deep inside their own half of the pitch and endured long spells without the ball, as the Gunners put them under heavy pressure. It took a number of fine defensive displays and some good late saves from Mignolet to help them leave the Emirates with a point and a third clean sheet of the season.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Petr Cech:
The Arsenal goalkeeper was heavily criticised for his display in the club's opening-day defeat to West Ham United, but he proved his value with a superb performance this evening. He made a world-class save to deny Benteke from point-blank range, before tipping a powerful drive from Coutinho onto the post. Many pundits suggested that Cech would add a number of points to the Londoners' tally this season, and his saves tonight could prove crucial by the end of the campaign.
Biggest gaffe
Chambers must take a huge share of the blame for Arsenal's first-half display, after giving the ball away a number of times. He lost possession deep inside his own half and put his team under heavy pressure. The defender also struggled against Benteke, and he will be relived that his mistakes didn't cost his team this evening.
Referee performance
What next?
Michael Oliver and his officials got a huge decision wrong in the opening minutes, when Ramsey latched on to a pass from Santi Cazorla and slid the ball past the keeper, before seeing his goal ruled out. The replays showed that the Welshman was onside and it changed the complexion of the match.
Arsenal: Wenger's side are back in action on Saturday when they face Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Liverpool: The Reds are set to welcome West Ham United to Anfield in their next match on Saturday.
Alex Meyers
