Liverpool failed to beat ten-man Arsenal as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.
Granit Xhaka was sent off in the 24th minute after a last-man foul on Diogo Jota but the Gunners held on to secure a credible draw.
The Gunners had a slow start to the game but got the opportunity to test Alisson and were caught on the counter. Diogo Jota was spotted making the run towards Arsenal’s danger zone and Xhaka lunged in, catching him with a high boot. The centre referee Michael Oliver had no option but to brandish a red card.
Despite the visitors having ten men, they stood firm, defending well as a unit, and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the 67th minute, Arsenal opened up for the first time in the second half. Jones’ clever flick around the corner released Robertson into space down the left. He played Minamino through on the overlap where he shoot from a tight angle, flashing a shot across the face of the Arsenal goal.
There were penalty shouts for handball from the Arsenal fans but crucially not from the players as referee Michael Oliver waved play on.
The Gunners will host Liverpool next week at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg with the winner taking on Chelsea in the finals of the Carabao Cup.
Match stats here.
