This archive report was first published on 14 January 2022.
Thursday's League Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Arsenal was a closely contested match, with the Gunners holding out for over an hour a man down to leave the score delicately poised at 0-0.
Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka was sent off for chopping down Diogo Jota after just 24 minutes, leaving his team to face the remainder of the match with one less player.
However, Liverpool struggled to create chances against the 10 men, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane absent due to their international duties at the Africa Cup of Nations.
"We revel against the situation. The players showed great fight, determination, brotherhood. You saw the emotion, we never gave up," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Despite Liverpool's dominance in possession, they were unable to break down the Arsenal defense, with the Gunners' back five holding up well under pressure.
Minamino had the two clear chances Liverpool did create in the second half, but was unable to find the back of the net.
The match will be decided in the second leg at the Emirates on January 20, with Chelsea awaiting the winners at Wembley next month.
