Arshavin sinks Liverpool again

The patience of Liverpool fans with Liverpool coach, Rafael Benitez must be close to thin with the defeat by arch-rivals, Arsenal, at Anfield on Sunday.

The match witnessed the return of Kop hero, Fernando Torres to the lineup and Alberto Aquilani, the man bought to replace Xavi Alonso, on the bench. Xavi Alonso was also present in the stands to rub salt into an open injury.

The match started well for the Reds in the first half, as there was no show of Arsenal’s crisp passing. It was more the Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano show as they pressed the midfield spaces, not allowing Cesc Fabregas or Denilson time on the ball.

Liverpool took a well deserved lead in the 41st minute, through Dirk Kuyt. The Dutchman prodded Liverpool into the much deserved lead when Fabio Aurelio’s free-kick was almost met by Lucas, who did enough to put Almunia off his attempted punch and the ball dropped to Kuyt, who controlled and fired home from 10-yards. Arsene Wenger complained loudly on the sidelines that Lucas was offside when he made the attempt at heading the ball and distracted Almunia, but the goal stood.

Immediately after the restart, Arsenal was back in the game, though through fortuitous means. Gunners broke at pace for the first time in the match and Nasri’s cross was deflected by Jaime Carragher into the path of Glen Johnson whose instinct was to poke a foot out which he did he and the ball rolled past Reina.

From there, Arsenal were on the front foot winning all the 50-50 challenges whilst Liverpool became more tentative.

In the 58th minute, there was another timely reminder of the deadliness of Andrei Arshavin, who scored four goals on his last visit.

The diminutive Russian gave the Gunners the lead with a wonderful strike.

Fabregas’s cross slipped under Johnson’s foot (again) and Arshavin controlled and smashed home from the edge of the 18-yard box, scoring his fifth goal in two meetings at Anfield.

Another ‘must-win’ game has slipped away from Rafa’s side. Liverpool now lie in 7th place, 13 points off the pace of leaders, Chelsea.

After United and Chelsea dropped points on Saturday following a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, and Wolves beat Tottenham away at White Hart Lane, the greatest movers are Arsenal who have moved to third place, six points from Chelsea and with a game in hand. The next saga of the Premiership continues on Tuesday.