Liverpool bounced back from their mid-week disappointment as we almost took the full three points against Arsenal in the Premiership.
Stevie G’s strike in the 7th minute from a free kick stormed past the Arsenal keeper to give the reds the perfect start to this mouth-watering clash. (Click here to watch the goal)
Benitez, surprisingly, opted for a three man strike force with Torres, Kuyt and Voronin all lining up. However, early on it became apparent that Torres was not up to the level of match fitness required for an important game and it was Crouch who came on to replace the Spaniard at half time.
After taking a little bit of stick over his form, Stevie G was superb with his goal, another couple of strikes and constantly harrassing the Arsenal midfield.
The Arsenal midfield and front-men were combining brilliantly but Liverpool managed to negate their chances through sheer hard work and determination.
A Tomas Rosicky lob over Reina appeared to be heading for the goal until another much-maligned reds player cleared off the line. Well done Sami Hyypia.
Gerrard could have doubled our lead with a thunderous shot which Almunia parried on to the crossbar.
The second half was a battle of wills. Crouch had a chance stopped by a diving save, Riise had one of his long range efforts dip a little too late to hit the top netting of the goal – and Eboue found the post.
With ten minutes left Hleb and Fabregas combined – with the latter putting the ball beyond Reina.
Although the reds didn’t get the three points they put in a convincing display and could have taken all three points. Arsenal have been fantastic in their opening 10 games and Liverpool continued an unbeaten Premiership record which now stretches to 11 games home and away – from the end of last season.
Arsenal came in to the game on a superb run of form, and put some superb pieces of play together but for all this prettiness away from the penalty box only managed 2 shots on target compared with the reds 5.
Injury concerns about both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, and worries over the fitness of Torres are the only things to take the gloss off today’s performance.
Match Reaction:
Rafael Benitez
“It was going well but we had problems with Torres. We wanted to use his pace and he then had the injury, then Xabi Alonso and we had to change.
“We now have a good record away and need to improve at home.
“But a draw at the end, because Arsenal also had chances, was probably not the worst result.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
“It was a big test today but we have shown tremendous quality.
“Overall it was a great football game, a bit of an edgy start and we were a bit nervous and punished quickly.
“But from then on it was all us and it was a question of not conceding a second and coming back. We had enough chances to win the game.”
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso (Arbeloa 68), Gerrard, Voronin (Benayoun 65), Kuyt, Torres (Crouch 46).
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Babel.
Booked: Voronin, Mascherano, Carragher.
Goals: Gerrard 7.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Silva 74), Eboue (Bendtner 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky (Walcott 66), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.
Booked: Rosicky, Toure, Fabregas.
Goals: Fabregas 80.
Att: 44,122
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
The champions are coming back with great speed and soul.Ok!Let’s get our cups of champion.All wishing in good
healthy mind.
No way that was a fair match
I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND THE PRAISE THE REDS GOT IN THE NEWS PAPERS
THE GUNNERS JUST OUT PLAYED US. RAFA SHOT HIM SELF IN THE FOOT, WHEN HE SAID ON TV – (“WE TRIED TO GET A THEM ON THE COUNTER-ATTACK)…EXCUSE ME; WE WHERE AT >>>>HOME<<<<.
I thought a young Arsenal side showed us Reds up although we did lose Torres, and Alonso with his passing abilitya lthough i feel he tried too many longs balls. crouch changed the game and imo now deserves a starting place ahead of kuyt, who i admire for his work but he simply doesnt put the ball in the net enough. agree with forkbender even tho we arnet out of it yet but i reckon the mancs will win no. 17 this season.
Obviously if a shot hits a post it isn’t on target. The target being the goal!
I am surprised Arsenal had 2 shots on target, I thought they hit the post twice and scored a goal. Perhaps when you hit the post, the shot is not on target.
I guess a draw was a fair result, although Arsenal will be the more disappointed having made ‘Pool’s passing game look distinctly average. What were all those long ‘route one’ balls all about ?. That’s not the Liverpool style I remember & it’s certainly too naive to win them the EPL. Gawd help you if Stevie G gets injured.
Sorry scousers, but today’s game just confirmed it’s now a three horse race – Gooners, Man Utd or Chelski.
Not sure how you think Liverpool put in a convincing display and Arsenal were lucky to get a draw today as they totally outplayed Liverpool. I admit they did not have many shots on target, but then again you did not have the ball much.
Was a decent game to watch and I though we (Arsenal) just shaded the game, but a point is not bad today.
Carragher got away with another rugby tackle in the penalty area once again. 🙂
Be lucky lahs.
Brigham the gooner
Thanks. You played some lovely football at times. Unfortunately it helps putting the ball in between them white posts and a cross bar. You had 2 shots on target for all of your ‘domination’. We had five.
I think a draw was the correct result.
Absolutely deluded observation of the Match; if you couldnt see you were very lucky to get a draw: specsavers have a special offer at the moment on glass’s.
Your passing is the worst I have seen from a Liverpool side ever!
Man of the Match: Jamie Carragher should have been sent off – second week running. Stevie Gerrard is wonderfull, and Peter Crouch has a great touch for a very tall man…but, even to finish with 11 men you were fortunate