Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has come out to praise his side’s “fight, determination and brotherhood” after they held Liverpool to a goalless despite losing one of their key players in the first 24 minutes of the game. 10-man Gunners frustrated Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.
Granit Xhaka was given a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity in the first 24 minutes. The Swiss midfielder caught Diogo Jota with a high challenge on the edge of his penalty area, attempting to cut out Andrew Robertson’s pass. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold could not punish Arsenal further from the resulting free-kick, and the visitors produced a resolute defensive display to leave on level terms.
Despite the red card, the visitors registered the first shot on target in the 71 minutes of the game. Still, a poor first touch by Bukayo Saka allowed Liverpool keeper Alisson to smother the England international’s shot at close range. Takumi Minamino had the best chance for Liverpool, but he blazed over the crossbar when faced with an open goal.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said: “They never gave up even though it’s challenging against this opponent.” “I said to the players before the game that you have to have a certain attitude, and in difficult moments you have to react – I think the boys did that very well,” he added.
The “manager said his players played the game very well, and he believes their fans will create an even better atmosphere [in the second leg] than today. The second leg takes place at Emirates Stadium next Thursday at 19:45 GMT.