Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal (4-5 on pens): Three Things We Learned

The Carabao Cup continued last night with a fascinating clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. Alas, while ‘fascinating’ was the way it was billed, it didn’t quite live up to the hype as the Reds and the Gunners played out a dull 0-0 draw. There were a few moments of excitement here and there but the game ended up going to penalties – and from that point on, it was anyone’s guess as to who would make their way into the quarter-finals.

Arsenal were the ones who won the shootout and knocked Liverpool out after a dramatic selection of penalties. Now, we’re going to take a look at three things we’ve come to learn now that the dust has settled.

Leno classic

After making a string of good saves during normal time, Bernd Leno kept his great form going into the shootout as he saved two penalties to hand Arsenal the win. Many questioned whether or not Leno could be the consistent force that the club wants him to be when Martinez was sold, but ever since then, he’s been able to step up to the plate in a big way. Arsenal fans are confident in his abilities and he should now be able to carry that into the Premier League.

Salah problems

Mohamed Salah is easily one of the best players in world football but last night, he didn’t show that. He was the man who should’ve led from the front for Liverpool but for whatever reason, he just didn’t get going. There’s no major worry that this is going to continue as a trend but questions were raised as to why Sadio Mane wasn’t the senior forward that started the game. Who knows, perhaps Klopp is going to go with something different against Aston Villa.

Tough tie ahead for Arsenal

Arsenal are currently priced at 8/1 to win the Carabao Cup with 888sport and it’s not exactly hard to understand why – they’ve been drawn against Manchester City in the next round. Mikel Arteta’s side beat City on their way to winning the FA Cup just a few months ago and it’s not exactly unthinkable to believe they can do it again. Still, lightning often doesn’t strike twice, and many question whether or not City will put out a full strength side or not. They’re known for their consistency and overwhelming success in the Carabao Cup and Pep Guardiola won’t want to give up that reputation.