Arsenal held by Liverpool but go six points clear at top of Premier League

Arsenal failed to extend their Premier League lead over title rivals Manchester City to eight points following a 0-0  draw against Liverpool at the Emirates.

After City limped to a draw against Brighton on Wednesday, Arsenal had the chance to put clear daylight between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table.

But while Arsenal enjoyed the best of the first half – despite Conor Bradley hitting the woodwork for Liverpool – the hosts spent much of the second period penned in by the side they are bidding to dethrone as champions.

Dominik Szoboszlai came closest when his free-kick dropped just over the crossbar as Arsenal rarely threatened.

Nevertheless, the draw takes Arsenal six points clear of City with Liverpool 14 points behind.

There are still 51 points to play for across the next 17 matches, but this had the feeling of a defining evening in north London as Arsenal bid to end their 22-year wait for a title.

Bukayo Saka has previously impressed against the Reds, with goals in each of his past three home games in this fixture prior to Thursday’s contest, and he provided a constant threat in an opening 45 minutes controlled by Arsenal.

Saka terrorised Milos Kerkez, and then Alexis Mac Allister, but Liverpool were able to scramble clear his pullback. The England international then landed the first meaningful effort of the game, albeit comfortably saved by Alisson.

Liverpool, still without top scorer Hugo Ekitike through injury, were on the ropes but they came within inches of delivering the opener.

William Saliba read Bradley’s attempted through-ball but was then caught off-guard by a gung-ho David Raya. Saliba’s pass to his goalkeeper carried too much speed, and Raya could prod it clear only to Bradley,