Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal (4-5 penalties): Hits and flops as Bernd Leno's heroics help Gunners secure quarter-final berth | EFL Cup 2020-21

#3 Hit: Neco Williams

Liverpool youngster Neco Williams displayed his quality against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Fourth Round

When you’re the understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, game time is pretty hard to come by. Neco Williams is an exceptional talent in his own right and would start for nearly every other team in the league. He is top quality both offensively as well as defensively and showed his quality against a tricky Nicolas Pepe and an intelligent Bukayo Saka on Thursday.

Liverpool wasn’t the most potent in the final third but a lot of what they did well came from Neco’s side. The Welsh youngster had 95 touches of the ball, won 9 duels, intercepted 5 passes, made 5 tackles and created 2 chances for his teammates in an encouraging performance.

#2 Flop: Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe has found it tough to adjust to life at Arsenal

It’s no secret that Nicolas Pepe has found it tough to adjust to life at Arsenal. His first season flattered to deceive while he’s struggled to get into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI this season. He was trusted with a rare start against Liverpool and in an unfamiliar position at LW.

We're going to start a discussion about Nicolas Pepe.

— WelBeast (@WelBeast) October 1, 2020

Some credit must be given to the 26-year-old as he caused Liverpool’s defence some problems with his movement and his trickery on the ball. However, his end product wasn’t good enough for a player of his calibre or price tag. Overall, the winger lost the ball 15 times, completed 2 dribbles and attempted 2 shots.

#1 Hit: Bernd Leno

If it wasn't for Bernd Leno's heroics for Arsenal, the scoreline would have been very different

Since the unexpected emergence of Emi Martinez, there has been somewhat of a weird rivalry between him and Bernd Leno. Granted, this narrative has been mostly forced by Arsenal fans, with the two keepers always maintaining a public friendship. Against Liverpool on Thursday, Leno put all questions about his ability to bed.

Energy. #MyNumber1 pic.twitter.com/2cWLsOcSuR

— 🎗 (@ArsenalPresser) October 1, 2020

Against a free-flowing Liverpool side, the German was called into action on several occasions. If it weren’t for his brilliance in between the sticks, the scoreline would have been significantly different. In a near-perfect display, the 28-year-old made 7 saves to prove Arsenal made the right choice in the summer.