Arsenal once again proved a difficult puzzle for Liverpool as the Premier League leaders held the champions to a goalless draw on Thursday, prompting Reds manager Arne Slot to reflect on a reoccurring weakness that has bedeviled his side throughout the season.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession, Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target for the first time in a league match since March 2010, ending a remarkable run of 600 Premier League games.
“I’ve said 150 times already that against certain playing styles, we’re a very good team, and against certain playing styles we struggle,” Slot told Sky Sports after the match.
“Even against the low block of Arsenal, we struggled to create chances. That is something we would like to do better. That’s one of the reasons we’re so many points behind them.”
The draw leaves Liverpool fourth in the table, 14 points behind Arsenal, who continue to set the pace at the top.
Slot’s side are unbeaten in nine league matches, but their attacking output has dipped, with their shots-on-target average dropping from 6.1 last season to four this term.
Slot accepted Arsenal’s quality and momentum, but admitted Liverpool again lacked decisiveness in the final third.
“The only thing we missed from us, not for the first time, is the moments around the box,” he said. “You’re hoping to create even more chances, but against an Arsenal team that has great momentum, to put in a performance like this is something I’m very positive about.”
Liverpool now turn their attention to the FA Cup, where they face Barnsley in the third round on Monday, before returning to league action away at Burnley on January 17.
