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  • Torres (49), Benayoun (56), Torres (73), Benayoun (90)
  • Arshavin (36), Arshavin (67), Arshavin (70), Arshavin (90)
  • Date:2009-04-21
  • Kick-off:20:00
  • Venue:Anfield
  • Attendance:44424
  • Referee:Webb, H

Live Commentary

90mins

Full-Time: LIVERPOOL 4-4 ARSENAL. Liverpool go top of the Premier League on goal difference after Andrey Arshavin hit four for the Gunners in an eight-goal classic at Anfield.

90mins

Nicklas Bendtner goes off and Abou Diaby comes on

90mins

LIVERPOOL 4-4 ARSENAL. This is just amazing here at Anfield as BENAYOUN levels deep into stoppage time after more poor defending from the Arsenal defence.

90mins

It's not over as there are five minutes of stoppage time now with Nabil El Zhar forcing a save from Lukasz Fabianski at his near post.

90mins

LIVERPOOL 3-4 ARSENAL. Liverpool are caught out on the break here as Theo Walcott breaks at speed and plays in ARSHAVIN who sets himself and fires past Jose Reina for his and Arsenal's fourth.

90mins

Kieran Gibbs concedes a corner - Liverpool's 11th of the game - which is played in and punched clear by Lukasz Fabianski.

89mins

Arsenal are doing some pressing now as Jamie Carragher is back to hack away Theo Walcott's dangerous low ball into the centre.

88mins

Jamie Carragher makes a bursting run at goal but hits a desperate shot well wide from the edge of the area as the clock ticks down here.

87mins

Cesc Fabregas tees up Theo Walcott who fires well wide from the right side of the area when Nicklas Bendtner was well placed for a cross in the centre.

86mins

Nabil El Zhar is coming on to add some more pace for Liverpool as Dirk Kuyt makes way.

85mins

It's just been noted that there is five minutes to go and Liverpool keeper Jose Manuel Reina has yet to make a save as Arsenal have scored with their three shots on goal.

83mins

Another corner is punched clear to the edge of the area by Lukasz Fabianski and Jamie Carragher volleys well wide.

82mins

Almost a fourth for Liverpool as Xabi Alonso's corner is whipped in to the middle and Fernando Torres' header is headed off the line by Kieran Gibbs.

80mins

Liverpool win a free kick in an area Steven Gerrard would have loved if he was on the field but Fabio Aurelio takes it and fires well over.

78mins

Kolo Toure strikes his clearance against Bacary Sagna but Arsenal are lucky the ball rebounds to Lukasz Fabianski and not Fernando Torres.

76mins

We are set for an exciting final 14 minutes plus stoppage time as Liverpool really need to win this so will have to keep pushing forward. The early prediction of goals galore has been spot on.

74mins

Nicklas Bendtner puts the ball into the net for Arsenal now but this time an offside flag is raised againt him.

74mins

Albert Riera is going off here with Ryan Babel coming on to possibly try and win the game now.

72mins

LIVERPOOL 3-3 ARSENAL. What a game! I can't keep up here as Albert Riera's cross from the left finds TORRES, who turns Mikael Silvestre and rifles past Lukasz Fabianski to equalise.

70mins

LIVERPOOL 2-3 ARSENAL. Unbelievable stuff here as ARSHAVIN fires in his hat-trick after Fabio Aurelio's poor clearance fell to him a few yards out. It is three shots and three goals for the Russian and Arsenal.

69mins

Liverpool are coming again but Arsenal look dangerous on the break as they scent a possible victory despite the fact they have only had two shots on target all night and scored from both.

67mins

LIVERPOOL 2-2 ARSENAL. A goal completely out of the blue here for Arsenal as ARSHAVIN smashes an unstoppable drive past Jose Reina and into the far corner of the net for his second of the night.

66mins

A dangerous inswing free kick is punched away by Lukasz Fabianski but a free kick is awarded to the Gunners keeper.

65mins

Arsene Wenger decides to make a change and Theo Walcott is the man coming on in place of Pereira Neves Denilson.

64mins

Xabi Alonso's corner is cleared momentarily but Yossi Benayoun is flagged offside when they launch another attack.

63mins

Albert Riera races into the left side of the area but delays his cross and the ball is knocked out for a corner with Fernando Torres waiting in the middle.

62mins

Fernando Torres takes a swing at the ball from the edge of the area but fails to connect properly and it is easy for Lukasz Fabianski.

61mins

Bacary Sagna is harshly booked after he accidentally catches Albert Riera in the face with his arm while challenging for the ball. There was clearly no intent in that.

61mins

A nice bit of play by Arsenal as Jose Manuel Reina is forced to hack the ball away but there was an offside flag up against Andrey Arshavin.

59mins

Another chance for Liverpool as they win a free kick 40 yards from goal just left of central but Xabi Alonso's cross-cum-shot drops wide of the far post.

58mins

It is fair to say that goal had been coming as Arsenal's efence has been abysmal in the opening 10 minutes of this second half.

56mins

LIVERPOOL 2-1 ARSENAL. More shocking defending by the Gunners allows Dirk Kuyt to cross and the ball is bundled just over the line by the diving BENAYOUN at the back post despite Lukasz Fabianski trying to claw it out..

53mins

Arsenal are rocking under the pressure now as Liverpool are piling forward in numbers looking to get a second goal on the board as quickly as possible.

51mins

It was a shocking bit of defending by Arsenal and Bacary Sagna but Liverpool will be sniffing for the win now as Albert Riera almost gets a chance inside the area but can't control the high ball.

49mins

LIVERPOOL 1-1 ARSENAL. Dirk Kuyt picks up Bacary Sagna's poor clearance inside the Gunners area and crosses for TORRES to plant in his header past Lukasz Fabianski.

47mins

Yossi Benayoun wins an early corner for Liverpool after a bright start but the corner to the edge of the area is horribly miss-kicked by Fabio Aurelio.

46mins

The second half is up and running here at Anfield and Rafael Benitez will want more of the same from his side but just an end product in front of goal, while Arsene Wenger will hope his defence can stay strong and they nick another goal on the break.

45mins

Half-Time: LIVERPOOL 0-1 ARSENAL. Liverpool have had the majority of possession but Arsenal lead at the break at Anfield thanks to Arshavin's strike.

44mins

Xabi Alonso's cross from the right falls to Alvaro Arbeloa and the Liverpool defender sees his weak effort saved with ease by Lukasz Fabianski

43mins

Dirk Kuyt wins another corner for Liverpool down the left which is not cleared at all by Arsenal and a combination of Lukasz Fabianski and Mikael Silvestre clear as Dirk Kuyt tried to force the ball home.

42mins

It has been all Liverpool since the goal but Arsenal are still holding firm in defence as they have done for most of this half.

40mins

Liverpool must be stunned after going a goal behind as they have dominated most of this half but Arsenal's 99th goal of the season in all competitions came via sloppy play by Javier Mascherano but Cesc Fabregas was just about level in the build up.

39mins

Two quick corners here for Liverpool but the second whipped in by Fabio Aurelio is too close to Lukasz Fabianski.

38mins

It is almost an immediate response by Liverpool as Kieran Gibbs gets in a pickle and Yossi Benayoun gets in to fire an effort at goal which Lukasz Fabianski parries away from the goal.

36mins

LIVERPOOL 0-1 ARSENAL. An offside looking Cesc Fabregas pulls the ball back to ARSHAVIN, who fires in off the underside of the crossbar to put Arsenal in front with their first real effort.

34mins

Jamie Carragher goes through the back of Cesc Fabregas but play is waved on only for Xabi Alonso to put the ball out of play to allow his fellow Spanish international to get some treatment.

32mins

A couple of hectic minutes we have just witnessed and signs the two sides - mainly Liverpool - are ready to move up another gear in search of a goal.

31mins

Xabi Alonso takes a corner from the right and Daniel Agger heads it towards the back post but Samir Nasri is on hand to boot the ball clear before Dirk Kuyt can get near it.

30mins

Fernando Torres hammers a shot at goal from outside the area which Lukasz Fabianski fumbles and Mikael Silvestre completes the clearance.

29mins

It is end-to-end now as Arsenal push forward again and Daniel Agger and Jose Manuel Reina get in each other's way in the bid to clear the danger as the ball is volleyed back at goal by Cesc Fabregas but Nicklas Bendtner cannot divert it into the net.

27mins

Instead Arsenal win a free kick wide out on the right which is whipped in by Samir Nasri but clears everyone in the area.

26mins

Liverpool are furious on and off the pitch as Dirk Kuyt appears to be brought down right on the edge of the Arsenal area by Mikael Silvestre but strangely no free kick is awarded.

24mins

Arsenal are struggling to get out of their own half here but Liverpool are not really pressing home their good possession by creating really good clear-cut chances.

22mins

Dirk Kuyt plays a great ball to Albert Riera on the edge of the area but he delays his shot and is dispossessed by Samir Nasri.

20mins

Arsenal never really clear Xabi Alonso's initial corner and are forced to defend in numbers for a minute or so before a free kick awarded saves the day and hands them a breather.

18mins

Another flowing move for Liverpool sees Fernando Torres lash an effort from an angle which Lukasz Fabianski tips over for a corner at his near post.

16mins

Yossi Benayoun does well defensively to deny the Gunners a chance as they looked to pose a threat through a passing move involving Nicklas Bendtner, Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas.

14mins

Javier Mascherano makes room for himself about 25 yards from goal but he can't get the ball out from under his feet and the ball drifts well wide of the post.

12mins

Liverpool have started very brightly and are doing all the pressing, but Arsenal will always pose a threat on the counter attack.

10mins

Yossi Benayoun is played into the area by Dirk Kuyt but Lukasz Fabianski does well to race out and block his effort before getting up and denying Alvaro Arbeloa who was following up on th edge of the area.

9mins

Arsenal almost get a break through the centre but Nicklas Bendtner is inches offside much to the relief of the Reds defence.

7mins

That tackle by Kolo Toure damaged Fernando Torres' ankle and he needs a bit of treatment on the side of the pitch before he can continue in the game.

6mins

Jamie Carragher lifts a long ball up the field to Fernando Torres who causes problems in the area before he is tackled by Kolo Toure. However the ball breaks to Albert Riera whose shot is saved by Lukasz Fabianski.

5mins

A good spell of pressure by Liverpool started by Javier Mascherano robbing Pereira Neves Denilson in midfield, but the attack breaks down due to an offside.

3mins

Fernando Torres bursts between two defenders and into the left side of the area but his effort at goal is too close to the grateful, diving Lukasz Fabianski.

2mins

Liverpool have come flying out of the blocks which has been a common theme in recent home games, while Arsenal are looking tasty on the break so hopefully we are in for plenty of goals and a good entertaining clash.

1mins

We are up and running at Anfield as Liverpool aim for at least a point which would put them at the top of the Premier League for at least 24 hours. A win for the Gunners would put them 10 points clear in fourth spot.

0mins

Arsenal starting XI: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Arshavin, Song Billong, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Bendtner.

0mins

Emmanuel Eboue, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor are replaced by Bacary Sagna, Alex Song, Andrei Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bendtner.

0mins

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger shuffles his pack with five changes from the 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

0mins

Liverpool starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Kuyt, Riera, Torres.

0mins

Boss Rafa Benitez makes two changes to the side which drew 4-4 at Chelsea in last week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge as centre-back Daniel Agger replaces Martin Skrtel and winger Albert Riera comes in for Lucas.

0mins

Injured skipper Steven Gerrard is again missing for Liverpool as they prepare to face Arsenal at Anfield on this Tuesday evening.

Match Preview

Liverpool can take top spot in the Premier League for at least 24 hours by beating Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

Rafa Benitez's side are just one point behind Manchester United going into the game, although they have played a game more.

However, their task against the Gunners will not be helped by skipper Steven Gerrard, who remains sidelined by a groin problem.

Midfielder Javier Mascherano claims the Reds are ready to fight all the way for the Premier League title following their European exit.

Mascherano claims Liverpool are totally focused on winning their first league title in 20 years after losing to Chelsea in the last eight of the Champions League last week.

"We know it is the only competition we have to play for now and we are fighting for the title," he told the club's official website.

"We have to keep going and maybe if Manchester United can drop some points we will be there. We have to look forward, try to win our next six games and we will see what happens."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie will play no part in Tuesday's clash.

The Gunners will not risk Togo striker Adebayor as he has a slight hamstring problem, while top scorer Robin van Persie is absent with a groin strain.

Full-back Bacary Sagna is back in the squad and Wenger insists he players are determined to bounce back from Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea despite having little to play for in the league.

The Gunners are fourth in the table and are highly unlikely to catch Chelsea in third spot.

However, they do have a Champions League quarter-final tie with Manchester United on the horizon.

"We have to accept what happened on Saturday, to deal with it and not repeat it," said Wenger. We have many big games coming up and we feel we can win them.

"Winning is what we live for. We cannot be happy with only trying to remain fourth."


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Match Report

Four goals from Arsenal's Russian rocket, Andrey Arshavin, put a huge dent in Liverpool's title chances as an eight-goal thriller ended 4-4 at Anfield.

One first-half goal from the Gunners' number 23 took his side in at the break with a lead undeserved on the balance of play.

But two second-half strikes from both Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun kept the game hanging in the balance until the closing seconds where points shared seemed a fair result on the night.

With no first-choice striker in the Arsenal line-up, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger still opted for a 4-4-2 formation by pushing Arshavin upfront alongside Nicklas Bendtner, but the Gunners were put on the back foot from the word go.

Torres tested keeper Lukasz Fabianski inside the opening three minutes and efforts from Benayoun and Albert Riera moments later had the Arsenal back four in disarray.

A double save from Fabianski on ten minutes kept the scores level when Benayoun was put through inside the corner edge of the area, but the keeper was quick off his line to spread his body at the feet of the winger before recovering quick enough to prevent an Alvaro Arbeloa rebound.

Wenger's faith in his keeper following his nightmare performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup was repaid with another fine save from a Torres screamer from 18 yards which he pushed over the bar.

A quick counter from Arsenal found Kieran Gibbs furthest forward down the left and after a mix-up between Daniel Agger and Jose Reina in goal, the clearing header fell to Fabregas who drilled his volley a yard wide.

Liverpool were throwing men forward and Torres found himself unchallenged in front of goal on 18 minutes but his almighty whack from outside the box never troubled the keeper who didn't have to move very far.

The home side seemed to be camped inside the Gunners box and a well-placed header by Agger from a Xabi Alonso corner looked to be creeping in but Samir Nasri was perfectly place to clear the ball off the line.

The deadlock was eventually broken on 36 minutes but it was the Londoners who capitalised on some sloppy defending from Javier Mascherano and slotted home against the run of play.

The Argentine dwelled to long on the ball allowing Fabregas to get a foot in and feed Nasri who charged into the box and after some quick feet, rolled it back to his skipper who beat the offside trap and cut it back to Arshavin, who finished off the underside of the bar into the back of the net.

With only four minutes played after the restart Torres equalised after Dirk Kuyt was given two chances to cross the ball and his second found the Spaniard, who did well to find the power needed to beat Fabianski.

Liverpool took the lead on 56 minutes after a rushed clearance from the inexperienced Gibbs at left-back went straight to Kuyt, who swung a deep cross to the back post where Benayoun bravely threw his head at the ball, which looped a yard over the line before being punched back out by the keeper.

The lead swung again after the hour mark with two goals in three minutes from Arshavin, who bagged his second with a stunning solo effort on 67 minutes.

After intercepting a weak header from Jamie Carragher to Arbeloa, the Russian unleashed a rocket from 20 yards into the far corner giving Reina no chance.

His hat-trick was completed as Nasri crossed from the left, but after sailing the ball over his team-mates, a bad clearance from Fabio Aurelio flew directly to Arshavin, who smashed home from eight yards.

The home side were back level on 72 minutes when Riera found Torres with his back to goal holding off Mikael Silvestre and, after taking a touch to control and one to turn, he rifled home from the penalty spot to make it three apiece.

Gibbs then made amends for his previous mistake by heading a Torres effort off the line to prevent the second hat-trick of the game.

Liverpool's title dreams looked in tatters with only seconds of the 90 remaining when a counter-attack led by substitute Theo Walcott saw him running at last man Alonso, before rolling a pass into the late charge from man of the match Arshavin, who smashed in his fourth.

Liverpool's never-say-die attitude was on show once again and the scores were once again brought level three minutes into the five of stoppage time, as Benayoun finished into the corner of the net after latching on to a Ryan Babel flick from Mascherano's cross.

Liverpool

Arsenal

Corners

120

Fouls

1012

Goal attempts

228

Shots off target

74

Offsides

56

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