Liverpool suffered another double-whammy of defensive injuries to an already depleted back-line, similar to the game against West Brom a couple of weeks back.
Fabio Aurelio made it to the 20th minute before he went off injured in what is now a traditional sight for his Liverpool career, before a head injury forced Jamie Carragher off on a stretched just on the hour mark.
Jack Robinson replaced Aurelio, leaving the left and right back positions occupied by a 17 and 18 year old. Kyrgiakos replaced Carragher.
Arsenal have been throwing away points for a few months now, and they lacked the cutting edge of a title challenging side. After a few chances at each end early on, Arsenal had the majority of possession although their chances were limited. Suarez, who has had a good start to his Liverpool career, was not at the top of his game today and gave away a collection of passes and hit some misfiring shots.
Andy Carroll also suffered a jarred knee, forcing a substitution to protect the knee from further damage.
Pepe Reina was called on to make a fine save from Fabregas, and at the other end, Suarez should have put the reds ahead, but blasted his chance high and wide.
As the game approached it’s end 8 minutes of injury time were signalled due to Carragher’s lengthy treatment on the pitch.
But play was stopped again when a penalty was awarded for Arsenal in the 96th minute. In the 98th minute Robin Van Persie fired home the penalty. Straight down the other end and the reds won a free kick just at the edge of the box, another minute passed and when Suarez’ free kick rebounded out, Eboue needlessly clattered Lucas Leiva to the ground. Penalty.
Dirk Kuyt fired in the penalty – the last kick of the game.
After three penalties against us in the last three games, the reds finally won one of their own.
The reds deserved the point after displaying plenty of guile, and both Flanagan and Robinson had solid games that will have impressed the boss and the watching fans.
Liverpool stay 6th.