Liverpool vs. Arsenal EFL Cup score: Gunners overcome Granit Xhaka red, baffling Takumi Minamino miss in draw

A 10-man Arsenal squad managed to keep a clean sheet at Anfield despite 17 shots taken from Liverpool

A kick from Granit Xhaka was supposed to change the complexion Thursday's first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal between Arsenal and Liverpool in a big way. Instead, a 10-man Arsenal squad withstood an attacking onslaught that featured 17 shots from Liverpool to secure a clean sheet and a scoreless draw at Anfield, setting themselves up for a dramatic second leg at the Emirates next week. 

Xhaka received a straight red card for kicking Diogo Jota in the chest while going in for a tackle in the 24th minute. To cope, Mikel Arteta brought in Rob Holding for Eddie Nketiah after already losing Cedric Soares due to a hip injury early on. From there, Arsenal put 10 men behind the ball and dug in to defend. Thanks to the work rate and strong running from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, they held on. It's worth pointing out that Arsenal should consider themselves lucky to not be facing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane as Liverpool lacked a cutting edge despite the barrage of shots and 78% possession.

It felt like Jurgen Kloop resigned to a draw in the 75th minute when he made a triple change, removing Fabinho, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Nexo Williams, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin and Joe Gomez. While the switch did bring on fresh legs, he took out his best attacking player left in Alexander-Arnold and failed to leave much out there. 

Saka need to be withdrawn for Nuno Tavares in the 79th minute after registering the only shot on target of the match due to exhaustion. With the North London Derby on Sunday, Arteta will hope it is nothing more than leaving it all on the pitch as Arsenal could be down to 12 outfield players due to the Africa Cup of Nations, injuries, and Covid cases.

Takumi Minamino may not sleep well knowing he missed the best chance of the game in the 89th minute with a shot on an empty net. The 26-year-old Japanese forward skied it into the nosebleeds. It was a missed opportunity for Liverpool, but a draw that shows just how far Arsenal have come under Arteta.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:33 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

89' That was the chance for Liverpool!

Minamino misses a shot at an empty net blazing the chance over the net. That was it!  

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:23 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

79' Bukayo Saka has left it all on the pitch

Nuno Tavares will enter for him now as Arsenal looks to hang on for dear life.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:19 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Triple change incoming for Liverpool as they need to balance Premier League matches with this cup tie

Alex Oxlade Chamberlin, Neco Williams and Joe Gomez will enter for Fabinho, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold. It feels like Klopp is accepting the draw but fresh legs could help as well.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

70' Late on it's Arsenal who are looking better on the ball

Escaping with a draw would be a coup for Arsenal but they had the first shot on target as Saka should've been in on goal. Great reflexes from Alisson.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:04 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Here comes Curtis Jones for Liverpool

Needing a midfielder who isn't afraid to shoot, Jurgen Klopp is introducing Jones inot the fray. He'll come in for James Milner.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 4:02 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

57' Saka forces Alisson into a save

Arsenal are doing what they can from set plays but it still isn't enough. The defense can only hold on for so long.

[Jan 13, 2022 at 3:51 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Minamino's cross almost goes in the net!

Liverpool are able to get on the front foot quickly after the half and they almos catch Aaron Ramsdale out. Will Arsenal survive the onslaught?