Gyokeres remains Arsenal’s biggest issue as doubts return after Liverpool draw

ARSENAL 0-0 LIVERPOOL: The Gunners missed the chance to stretch the gap at the top to a commanding eight points after being held at home against a depleted Reds side

They regained their six point lead at the top of the Premier League table. But Arsenal will know this was an opportunity wasted to really stamp their authority on the title race.

Two points dropped rather than one gained against an injury-ravaged Liverpool team when victory would have Arsenal eight clear and sent a clear message to rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa.

And the failure to take full advantage will once again raise the old doubts about whether Mikel Arteta’s men have got the mentality to finally get over the line after finishing runners-up the past three seasons running.

Incredibly, it was the first time Arsenal have failed to score in a match in all competitions since they lost at Liverpool on August 31.

And once again, misfiring striker Viktor Gyokeres drew a blank and made just eight touches in 64 minutes which is his fewest touches in a match that he has played for at least 20 minutes.

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Arsenal’s pre-match light show with a video entitled “fire up the furnace” even fell flat as the game was distinctly lukewarm despite the size of the occasion.

To be fair, it was loud and rocking on a cold, rain-swept night as North London braced itself for Storm Goretti to take hold but the sense of expectation turned to frustration for Arsenal.

It also made for a heavy, wet pitch and the ball zipped at great speed across the turf. It certainly did not make life easier but it was very much the same for both sides.

Leandro Trossard got an early booking for pulling back Florian Wirtz but generally Arsenal were in command with Liverpool sitting deep as Bukayo Saaka looked to create down the right.

But just when you thought Arsenal were on top, they had a real scare which suddenly made their mean defence look very vulnerable.

There was a mix-up between William Saliba and David Raya, the Arsenal keeper was nearly caught out by the back pass and jus about reacted to hack the ball clear.

It fell straight to Liverpool full back Conor Bradley who tried an ambitious trip from 30 yards out and it hit the underside of the bar and came out to leave the Arsenal fans with their hearts in their mouths.

Arsenal had lots of possession but were struggling to create clear cut chances. Declan Rice drilled in a shot which Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker saved.

But Arsenal’s bigger frustration was once again with their £64m centre forward Gyokeres who has so far failed to live up to his price tag and expectations.

The arguments about how hard he works and ties defenders up in knots are very compelling, but this was a night when Arsenal needed him in the box.

But time and again, Gyokeres was dropping too deep as he went in search of the ball but was nowhere to be seen when Arsenal put over a cross.

Arsenal’s level dropped badly after half time and suddenly Liverpool were on the front foot. It was no surprise when Gyokeres was hooked for Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal, even after brining on Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, just could not find the extra gear they needed and Liverpool could sense their moment as the game wore on and the nerves crept into the stadium.

Ultimately, Arsenal fell away and it was Liverpool who finished stronger with the home side probably happy to get a point.

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