GUNNERS RUE A MISSED CHANCE

ARSENAL regained their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but Mikel Arteta's side will know this was an opportunity wasted to stamp their authority on the title race.

- BY JOHN CROSS

Two points dropped rather than one gained against an injury-ravaged Liverpool team when victory would have sent Arsenal eight clear and delivered a clear message to rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa. The failure to take full advantage will once again raise the old doubts about whether Arteta's men have the mentality to finally get over the line after finishing runners-up for the past three seasons running.

Incredibly, it was the first time Arsenal have failed to score in a match in all competitions since they lost at Liverpool on August 31. And, once again, misfiring striker Viktor Gyokeres drew a blank.

The Swedish forward made just eight touches in 64 minutes - his fewest in a match when he has played for at least 20 minutes.

Arsenal's pre-match light show with a video entitled "fire up the furnace" even fell flat as the game was distinctly lukewarm despite the size of the occasion.