FA Premiership
Saturday 5th April 2008 @ 12.45pm
Anfield
A Peter Crouch goal sent the reds on the way, before a Nicolas Bendtner equaliser ensured the result ended up the same as three days earlier.
The reds (and the Gunners) made several changes from the mid-week game. Benitez handed a full debut to Damien Plessis, a 19 year old who has impressed in the reserves. Gerrard and Torres were rested, and Crouch led the attack. In total only 3 Liverpool players who started on Wednesday were in the first XI.
Liverpool, with a weaker side on paper than Arsenal, dominated the first half. Arsenal looked lethargic, and Crouch was keen to make his mark after a long spell on the subs bench. Crouch had a 30 yard dipping shot saved, and then Riise had a great chance to hammer the first goal but it went over the bar.
Just before half time Crouch was in, and fired home from the edge of the area.
Early in the second half Arsenal got their equaliser. Cesc Fabregas curled in a free kick and Bendtner headed the ball past Reina. With Arsenal still involved in the title race they should have performed better, but the game continued to belong to the reds.
The reds may have been fortunate to get a draw on Wednesday, but Arsenal were lucky to escape with a point today. The point each helped neither side. Liverpool are only 3 points ahead of Everton, and Arsenal’s title hopes are over.
Team News
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Plessis, Pennant (Gerrard 66), Benayoun (Voronin 75), Lucas, Riise, Crouch (Torres 80).
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Hyypia.
Booked: Riise, Pennant.
Goals: Crouch 42.
Arsenal: Almunia, Justin Hoyte (Adebayor 57), Gallas, Toure, Traore (Clichy 72), Eboue, Fabregas, Silva, Flamini (Hleb 81), Bendtner, Walcott.
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Song Billong.
Booked: Eboue.
Goals: Bendtner 54.
Att: 60,111
Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
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