Carabao Cup highlights: Liverpool held back by 10-man Arsenal in a goalless game

Liverpool vs Arsenal Prediction

Match Preview

Liverpool and Arsenal would enter the Carabao Cup’s semi-final with the same target to win and to continue the race for the cup title this season. Unfortunately, both teams had to face different problems like the lack of key players for CAN 2021 and the impact of Covid 19. That was also the reason why the clash between them was canceled a week ago. 

Considering both teams’ forms, Liverpool was still higher-appreciated than Arsenal. The Reds were almost out of the Premier League’s title pace when having 11 points less than the top team Man City. Thus, winning the EFL Cup is their best hope to avoid a season without any title. In the FA Cup game before, Jurgen Klopp’s squad had a jubilant 4-1 win over Shrewsbury Town so they were eager to thrash Arsenal despite they could not use the best line-up. 

On the other hand, Arsenal were suddenly eliminated from the FA Cup after being defeated 0-1 by underdogs Nottingham Forest. Like Liverpool, they need a title in the Carabao Cup to consolidate their position in the Big 6 after unsuccessful seasons before. 

Liverpool vs Arsenal

Players’ Situation

In the clash vs Arsenal, the Reds would not have the serving of their best two forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who returned to Africa to join the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the recovery of some other great players like Alexander-Arnold and Takumi Minamino could be a good sign for the Anfield home team. 

Visitors Arsenal would also not be played with key players such as  Elneny, Aubameyang, Partey, and Pepe due to CAN 2021. Luckily, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, and Lacazette have been in their high form, promising to make more magic for the Gunners. 

It was predicted a 0-1 score for Arsenal on Betimate with the hope that the Gunners could make an earthquake at Anfield stadium when the hosts’ best forwards could not take part in this important game. 

Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal

XI Line-ups:

• Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold (Williams 76'), Matip (Gomez 76'), Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho (Chamberlain 76'), Milner (Jones 61'), Minamino, Firmino, Jota.
• Arsenal: Ramsdale, Soares (Chambers 11'), White, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Xhaka, Saka (Tavares 81'), Lacazette, Martinelli, Nketiah (Holding 28').

It was a quick start right in the 6th minute. Alisson fumbled a Cedric Soares cross, and Ramsdale had to react quickly when a Gabriel backless let him in a spot of bother. The luck came to Reds in the 24th minute. Robertson made a long crossfield ball for Jota but Granit Xhaka brought the Portugues forward down with a clumsy challenge when he seemed to have a chance to score. Immediately, the referee booked a red card for the Arsenal’s player, and the visitors had to challenge themselves to compete against the Anfield home team with only 10 men on the pitch from then. Manager Arteta was forced to substitute Eddie Nketiah with Rob Holding to consolidate their defense. 

Xhaka got red card in the 24th minute

As it happened, Liverpool almost dominated the whole game and attacked continually. However, the Reds never really carved out the opportunity to really bare their teeth when the absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in that electric front three was evident. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson connected not well, Jota often played as a striker while being a right forward. In addition, Minamino had a faint night with 4 shots in the first half but no shot was on target. 

In the second half, Liverpool maintained their ball possession up to 80% but Klopp’s squad could still not make any dangerous opportunities. Some changes with Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Neco Williams, and Joe Gomez could not make their advantage become better. 

The Gunners played with only 10 men but they were still ready to counterattack if any chance came.  In the 71st minute, Saka had a brilliant opportunity to put Arsenal ahead as he got himself free in the Reds box. However, after a good first touch, Alisson reacted well to close the door with a brilliant save with his knee. 

In the 90th minute, that was the last chance for the home team when Arsenal players were careless. Minamino is presented with a clear chance which was out of the visitors’ surroundings. Ramsdale had gone walkabout and the ball fell at the feet of the forward but he blazed over the bat from eight yards. 

Arteta's side played tenaciously

The last result was 0-0. Ben White of Arsenal was named the Man of the Match after his great contribution to the whole game. The former Brighton defender got a rock at the back and yet confident on the ball when pressed hard, rose to the occasion, and demonstrated his abilities to produce a critical block and interception in both halves and keep his side's clean sheet. Rob Holding and Calum Chambers supported him aerially, but that shouldn't detract from this man's performance, which hushed up his doubters in one of the hottest cauldrons around.

Now, Liverpool and Arsenal need to try their best in the remaining game to get a spot joining the EFL final, competing with Chelsea who won Tottenham in their both semi-final legs. 

Reference Sources

• eurosport.com
• betimate.com