Any lingering hopes of a third place league finish for Liverpool were extinguished as a solitary Arsenal goal condemned the Reds to their eighth defeat this season. Rafael Benitez’s men are now eight points behind the Gunners, following their first defeat in eight games.
Arsenal, beaten comfortably by both Manchester United and Chelsea in quick succession recently, looked to get their title race back on track in this crucial game at the Emirates. Abou Diaby’s goal midway through the second half ensured that Liverpool left London with nothing.
After a poor first half, the game sprung into life for the second period, which included Diaby scoring with a powerful header from Rosicky’s cross. Liverpool had their chances too, the best falling to the much-maligned Ryan Babel, whose piledriver was forced onto the bar. Liverpool continued to apply the pressure towards the end, but to no avail.
Greek centre-back, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, whose performances have drastically improved in recent weeks, was suspended for his red card in the weekends Merseyside derby. Martin Skrtel took his place and looked set to continue Liverpool’s impressive run of four consecutive clean sheets.
It was Liverpool who appeared more likely to pull off a shot on goal when new signing Maxi Rodriguez claimed for a penalty, after the ball struck Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen’s arm. The referee waved away the protests much to Maxi’s disappointment. Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas did show glimpses of his sides attacking intent, with his effort saved comfortably by Reina.
Both sides stepped up a gear after the second half, having recognised a point would suit neither team. Russian magician Andrey Arshavin managed to hammer his thunderous shot into the side netting before the ever-improving Lucas came within inches of scoring a brilliant goal, only for his shot to go agonisingly over.
Steven Gerrard put David Ngog through with an inch perfect ball, the sort which he has so often provided Fernando Torres with. Ngog did well to inject some pace into his run, but William Gallas came to Arsenal’s rescue as he executed the perfect tackle on the youngster just as he was about to let fly.
It was not all Liverpool though, as Arshavin and Rosicky neatly combined, only for the Czech to waste the opportunity. It was Rosicky again who threatened shortly after, with his deflected shot going just wide. The midfielder did eventually grab an assist for himself though, as his delicious cross was met powerfully by the head of Diaby, who took advantage of some poor Liverpool to defending to send the ball into the back of the net.
Liverpool did not give up though and the introduction of Ryan Babel to the game almost proved to be a masterstroke by the tactical genius Benitez. Babel, who has found himself warming the bench for much of the season, drilled a long shot towards the goal, only for Almunia to tip the ball on to the bar. It was an excellent effort for a young man who is lacking in confidence.
Still Liverpool continued to try and carve out an equaliser and the opportunity was awarded to them in the dying minutes of the game. Steven Gerrard stepped up to take a free kick from 25 yards out, only for Cesc Fabregas to block the ball illegally with his arm. Steven Gerrard displayed his anger at Howard Webb for refusing to give a penalty and the game ended soon after.
Yet another defeat for Liverpool this season, but the performance was reasonably good and a more threatening outlook in the first half may have seen a different result. Nonetheless, Rafael Benitez will look to take the positives from this game into the vital league encounter with moneybags Manchester City, in a fixture which will have a significant impact on who will finish fourth this season.
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