Gunners overcome expulsion to hold Anfield draw
It was a one-team game. At Anfield, the hosts could have come out with a good victory against Arsenal, but the lack of creativity hampered Jurgen Klopp’s team despite having 77% possession of the ball and having played for more than 66 minutes with one more player. .
The draw leaves everything for the second game. In the original calendar, the finalist would already be defined at this point, but this first game had to be postponed due to an outbreak of covid-19 in Liverpool. The teams will now meet again on Thursday (20), and whoever qualifies takes on Chelsea in the final.
The Reeds controlled the first half with the traditional intensity of a Jurgen Klopp team, dominating a disorganized Arsenal that gave too much space. Interestingly, the London team improved a little after being one less in the expulsion of Xhaka: he continued to attack very little and badly, but he found himself in the defense and closed the rival’s door. Liverpool missed their absences – called up to defend the teams in the African Cup of Nations – and showed little creativity to pierce the opposing defence.
The second half started with a clear chance for the hosts. At 2, Minamino hit cross from afar and almost covered Ramsdale. But the scare did not set the tone of the game in the stage. Arsenal came back more attentive from the break and balanced the actions. He even gave Alisson work in two good moves.
The best chance of the game came just in the 46th minute of the second half. Minamino wasted the clearest chance of the match. Upon rebounding from the penalty spot, face to face with the goalkeeper, he finished over the crossbar, ensuring the 0-0.
