The first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on Thursday night resulted in a goalless stalemate for both sides.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
Liverpool started strong and were more assertive going forward with the visitors having to rely upon shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale to be at his best between the sticks.
The Gunners goalie was called into action when Andy Robertson put a teasing delivery into the box for the onrushing Liverpool players.
Roberto Firmino came close to finding the opener but had Ben White make an important clearance off the line to keep his side in the affair.
Arsenal were in for misery early on in the first period with midfield man Xhaka given the marching orders for a lunging challenge on Diogo Jota.
In the second period, Liverpool had to put out a solid showing on the defensive front against the fired-up visitors as Alisson made a good save to deny Bukayo Saka who was set up with Tierney’s pass.
Liverpool had a great chance to break the deadlock and find the winning goal in the dying stages of the game when Ramsdale’s punch came to Minamino but the latter fired his effort over the bar.
