Spoils were shared at Anfield in the first of a two-legged Carabao cup Semifinal clash between Liverpool and Arsenal.

The game which was delayed due to alleged Covid concerns in Liverpool’s camp ended with none of both sides breaking the deadlock.

Jurgen Klopp who returned from Covid-19 isolation fielded a strong lineup in four years as the likes of Alisson, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson all started the game with the exception of Salah, Mane and Keita who are away on International assignment in Cameroon.

Also, Mikel Arteta returned from isolation having tested positive for Covid ahead of their 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

The Spaniard boss also named a strong side for the encounter which featured the likes of Ramsdale, Gabriel, Martinelli, Saka, Xhaka and Lacazette.

Liverpool missed a couple of chances in the opening minutes but almost took the lead when captain Jordan Henderson closed down Aaron Ramsdale forcing the goalkeeper to hit at him a panic shot but fortunately for Arsenal, it would only result into a corner.

Liverpool again almost broke the deadlock after a break through Andrew Robertson down the left who then sent a long ball which clearly found Diogo Jota through with goalie Aaron Ramsdale but he was hit by Granit Xhaka who came legs high to his chest. The Swiss international was then sent off as a result (his fifth at the Club) but Arsenal would go on to thwart every threat thrown at them from Liverpool’s ever surging attack.

The five minutes of added time saw Liverpool miss two big chances where Ramsdale was well beaten but one was blocked by an Arsenal defender why the other was skied by Takumi Minamino.

This leaves both sides a return fixture in seven days time at the Emirates in which the winner goes on to play Chelsea who sent Tottenham out in the finals come February.

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