POINT made

CHAMPIONS DEFIANT IN BATTLING DRAW AT LEADERS... EVEN IF IT DOESN'T HELP WITH THEIR TITLE DEFENCE

- By PAUL GORST

THE chant that came from the away end as the final whistle signalled a goalless draw at the Emirates was one of defiance.

The Liverpool supporters, tucked away on the far side, reminded their Arsenal hosts just who it is who are still, for now at least, the champions of England.

And while that is a boast that they may only be able to bellow out for the next handful of months, this was finally - belatedly - a performance befitting of their status.

It was not free flowing and it wasn't particularly pretty during large parts, but it was dogged and determined at a time when backs are to the wall and chins are on the floor.

This, after all, is an Arsenal side who are unbeaten here and had no doubt started to dream about running away with a first title in 22 years after a third successive Manchester City draw of 2026 on Wednesday against Brighton.

In many ways, Arsenal are where Liverpool were a few years ago when they needed to take that final step from contenders to champions after going so long without a title.

Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp and then Slot, were able to make that leap but the jury remains out on the Gunners as they let a golden opportunity pass them by here.

Mikel Arteta spoke about having a “point to prove” in his Wednesday press conference but it was Liverpool who did that. They are no busted flush, even if there are things that need to be ironed out and worked on in the coming weeks and months.

This 0-0 draw saw Arsenal fail to open up an eight-point advantage over City, instead taking them six clear at the summit with Liverpool restoring a big portion of pride as they made it 10 unbeaten themselves in all competitions.