By Emmanuel Ebimoh
The last time Liverpool and Arsenal played a goalless draw at Anfield was in 1998, 22 years ago. Apart from the fluidity and excitement with which these two teams play, there’s always the expectation of goals whenever the Reds of Liverpool face-off against the Gunners of Arsenal, regardless of the competition they are playing in. However, the heroics of both goal-keepers in the 5th round encounter between these two powerhouses would prove to be the decider in a 0-0 stalemate.
Arsenal started the game very well and the first chance fell to Eddie Nketiah when he found himself one-on-one with Liverpool’s goal-keeper, Alisson, but the striker was unable to find the net. Arsenal pressed further and Bukayo Saka got his chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute, but he was indecisive at the last minute.
Liverpool came out stronger in the second half but Arsenal’s shot stopper, Bernd Leno, pulled out a Man-of-the-match performance as he made sure Liverpool didn’t get a goal in 90 minutes.
The game went straight to penalties after a 0-0 draw and for the second consecutive time, Arsenal came ahead, winning 5-4.
With this win, Arsenal joins other EPL sides Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle, and Tottenham in the Quarter final of the Carabao Cup competition.
