In the early morning of January 14, Beijing time, the first leg of the Premier League Cup semi-final continued to play: Liverpool vs Arsenal. In the first half, Xhaka was red carded; in the second half, the two teams still did not change the score on the field. 0-0, Liverpool drew with Arsenal.
In the already concluded Premier League Cup semi-finals, Chelsea advanced to the final by eliminating Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 over two legs. As a result, the winners of Liverpool and Arsenal will face the Blues.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, Xhaka fouled and was directly reddished. This is Xhaka's fifth red card at Arsenal, and since his debut for Arsenal in 2016-2017, Xhaka is the Premier League player who has received the most red cards in all competitions in the same period.
With one more man on the pitch, Liverpool were in full control of the initiative. Throughout the first half, Liverpool had 80% possession, a 4-1 shooting ratio and 0-0 on target.
In the second half, Klopp continued to deploy troops, but was never able to break through Arsenal's door. The 0-0 score was maintained until the end, with the second leg of the match between the two sides set to take place on January 21.
After a long 11-10, and it is still a home game, how can Liverpool not take arsenal? In fact, if you look at Liverpool's starter, you can find the clues: Mane and Salah are not there. What did they do? Participated in the African Cup of Nations. Not to mention Mane, Salah alone, made 26 appearances, scored 23 goals and assisted 9 times, while leading the Premier League top scorers and assists list. Without the golden double gun, Liverpool's attack is really not good.
According to the latest news report: Liverpool are not prepared to meet Salah's salary requirements, and the renewal negotiations have reached a stalemate. Salah's contract expires in the summer of 2023. If he leaves, what will Liverpool's attack do?
Liverpool starters: 1 Alisson, 4 Van Dijk, 26 Robertson, 32 Matip, 66 Arnold, 3 Fabinho, 7 Milner, 14 Henderson, 9 Firmino, 18 Takushi Minamino, 20 Jota
Arsenal starters: 32-Ramsdale, 17-Cedric, 4-Ben White, 6-Gabriel, 3-Tierney, 23-Lokuna, 34-Xhaka, 7-Saka, 9-Lacazette, 35-Martinelli, 30-Nketia