10/01/2026 – Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool “From Expectation to Reality: Arsenal Blunt in Attack”

A point each, not a disaster but not what we had hoped for. I think weirdly many Arsenal fans were confident heading into the game, expecting a statement win. Although I too expected a win, I was aware that the Liverpool would turn up as the best version of what they had available. And in fairness to them they did just that, with the injuries they have and the lack of confidence in their defence they made it difficult to get going and we continually struggled to create chances. The first 20 minutes of the game we were on top and looked as if we were going to cause them lots of issues, the atmosphere was immense and you could feel it driving the players on. However, after they hit the bar, the crowd was zapped of its energy, and it turned into a cagey, nervous affair where neither team had the initiative to go and win the match. It felt as if Liverpool were never set up to win the game, they caused us very little issues, but we were far too cautious, scared to lose the game.

Now as a whole there is no change to the situation at the top of the table, and I think Man City will feel even worse about their draw with Brighton after our draw the following evening. Despite Liverpool’s struggles they still have some of the best players in the league and any night they can cause teams issues. With both Man City and Villa drawing I feel quite content with the draw. The bottom line is we were not good enough to win the game so just don’t lose it! My main feeling is it's a shame that we couldn’t get some revenge on the scousers for their win earlier in the season but if Liverpool can take four points off us and still be six points clear we must be doing something right.

Realistically we are all aware there is room for improvement, that’s while being sat six points clear, scary really, but there is improvement to come in the attacking third, no more can be asked of our defensive unit, no matter who comes in they are solid and we just don’t concede many goals. Gyokores must influence the game more or he will lose his spot to Jesus or more likely, Havertz. He does work hard and like I’ve said before he has the ability to draw players away from our other threats, but there is one main thing we signed him for… GOALS. Seven goals with two penalties in all competitions is not good enough unfortunately. It’s a shame because I’m really rooting for him, but he just is a step off the pace, especially on Thursday evening. Now just a reminder all of this comes while sitting atop the table, but I do feel that he is the obvious step up that's needed to get us over the line this time round.

There is no title that is won without it's ups and downs, and the fact that a draw at home to the Champions feels like a down shows where we are at the moment, the expectations of Arsenal fans have sky rocketed over the last few seasons and rightly so we all expect some silverware with the money that has been spent and coming so close previously. As much as my own expectations have increased I fear there are some of us that are getting carried away, I am well aware of how brilliant our squad is this season but sometimes you have to take a step back and realise that winning a title is not as simple as it is on Fifa or Football Manager, the Premier League is the toughest league in the world because any team can provide an upset and ultimately it comes down to who is the best over 38 games. So far, we have been the best team over 21 games, impressive, but there’s a long old way to go. It is unrealistic to think that we will turn up to games and see a domination for 90 minutes, of course we all hoped and know we should’ve been better on Thursday, but we have to be realistic in that Liverpool were set up to defend their own goal first and attack second. The reason I say this is there were two fans sat around me on Thursday completely rattled by us trying to break Liverpool down, I turned round expecting to see a grumpy old fella who’s wet and tired, but it was a guy in his late teens/early 20s who booed the team at the final whistle. I know I’ve picked out one example here and he doesn’t reflect the fanbase as a whole but it did make me realise that some of the fans are so ahead of themselves and that can be a very dangerous place to be at this stage in the season.

A slightly long winded one today but it felt necessary. I just want to mention the Martinelli issue. I cannot believe the amount of grief it caused, yes it was a mistake on his part, but it’s been blown so far out of proportion, mainly down to the match itself providing very little to talk about. Gary Neville disgraced by his actions must be the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard that guy was a leg breaker back in the day and would not bat an eyelid, what a melt. Arne Slot is the only person to give a reasonable response to the situation, clearly Martinelli would not have tried to get Bradley off the pitch if he knew the extent of his injury and it does look like a bad one. However, the little rat despite being injured shuffles himself back onto the pitch to purposefully waste more time and continue the cheating they had been doing all game. In the first half Frimpong did his best Tom Daly impression in an attempt to win a penalty and stayed on the floor rolling around until the ball went out for an Arsenal corner, only to sprint back on after receiving "treatment". The bottom line is if Liverpool hadn’t provided Martinelli with examples of their cheating throughout the game maybe it would be a different outcome.

The main thing is though, six points is still the gap, and we have a little cup break now to reset for some big games at the end of the month. It's Portsmouth on Sunday, away at Fratton Park before Chelsea midweek in the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-final. I would love to see some rotation against Pompey and I think we will. Keep the faith and enjoy the break from Premier League action, COYG!!

The Northbank Blogger.

Player Ratings:

Raya 7/10

Timber 5/10

Saliba 8/10

Gabriel 7/10

Hincapie 6/10

Zubimendi 8/10

Rice 5/10

Odegaard 6/10

Saka 6/10

Gyokores 5/10

Trossard 5/10

Predicted Lineup:

Kepa, White, Norgaard, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli