Two sides renowned for their attacking prowess and 90 minutes full of chances… how did it end 0-0? This evening’s clash at the Emirates Stadium somehow finished goalless, with the Reds dominating the opening half, before Arsene Wenger’s Gunners grew into the game and got themselves on top for the closing stages.Perhaps both sides were happy with a share of the points, with Arsenal having endured a wobbly start to the season, while Liverpool stay undefeated, despite North London, traditionally, being a destination the Merseysiders return from empty handed.Although the goals failed to come along, we learnt plenty from this evening’s pulsating match, which could have major repercussions come May when the top four battle comes to a close. ‘What can we take from this?’, we hear you cry, well… here are THREE things.

Keeping Lucas should be a Liverpool priority

Before the game Brendan Rodgers hailed the Brazilian as his best defensive midfielder, so it’s pretty bizarre that this could end up being his last game for the Reds. Amid suggestions he’s now the club’s fifth choice central player, the experienced ex-Gremio man is rumoured to be on his way out of the club, but his performance at the Emirates Stadium was not one you’d associate with a player whose future is in doubt.

Lucas anchored the midfield well through the game, often cutting in with some excellent interceptions and well-time tackles. Can Liverpool find an upgrade before next Tuesday? Probably not!

Cech is back!

Petr Cech’s Arsenal career has, thus far, not been the success some had predicted. Although it’s early days, a particularly wobbly showing as the Gunners lost at home to West Ham on the opening weekend was a real worry, and he then followed that up with a few heart in mouth moments at Crystal Palace.

Had Chelsea sold him at the right time?

It appears not, with the Czech stopper simply excellent at the Emirates Stadium against Liverpool. A top quality save kept Christian Benteke out at point blank range (above), before a flying dive was enough to tip Philippe Coutinho’s effort onto the post. Ladies and gentlemen, he’s back!

Defending has gone out of fashion…

 

FT #Arsenal 0-0 #LFC 34 attempts but somehow no goals; point apiece at the Emirates. Watch the shots with @StatsZone pic.twitter.com/JI0NKJnCJz — Stats Zone (@StatsZone) August 24, 2015

Even though it ended 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium, it’s fair to say that purists would have been pulling their hair out at some of the defending on show. Arsenal consistently failed to pick up their men in the first half and we’re kept in the game by Petr Cech’s heroics and the woodwork, while Liverpool afforded the Gunners plenty of chances.

Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger are no known for their love of defending, so it’s no surprise that we saw a game more focused on work in the final third.