LIVERPOOL 1 - 2 ARSENAL

Robin van Persie's stoppage-time winner gave Arsenal a dramatic victory to leave Liverpool 10 points adrift of the Premier League's top four.
The Reds dominated early on but Dirk Kuyt had a penalty saved and both he and Luis Suarez fired against the post.
Liverpool finally took the lead when Laurent Koscielny sliced Jordan Henderson's cross into his own net. But Arsenal quickly levelled through Van Persie's header and won it late on when he volleyed home Alex Song's pass.

The Dutchman's lethal finishing was the difference between the teams and, as well as inflicting a first home defeat of the season on Liverpool, underlined just how costly the Reds' poor form in front of goal has been to their campaign.
Kenny Dalglish's side, fresh from their Carling Cup final victory, paraded that trophy before kick-off but their hopes of using it as a foundation for a push towards the Champions League places were to be frustrated.
In fact, the first half will have made familiar viewing for fans of both sides, with Arsenal often caught wide open at the back but Liverpool unable to make the most of the series of chances they created.
Stewart Downing wasted the Reds' best early opening, scuffing his shot completely from 30 yards after Wojciech Szczesny dashed out of his area to deny Suarez, only to head straight at the England winger with his goal unguarded.
Arsenal's porous defence appeared unable to cope with Suarez's guile in front of goal, and the Uruguayan was at the heart of the move that produced Liverpool's penalty after 19 minutes, exchanging passes with Kuyt before going to ground under a challenge from Szczesny.

Kuyt was given responsibility from the spot but could not beat the Polish keeper, who sprang to his right to keep out the penalty - the sixth Liverpool have missed this season - and recovered to push away Kuyt's follow-up too.
Liverpool did not have to wait much longer to take the lead, but it was perhaps telling that they needed Arsenal's help to find the net, Koscielny making a complete hash of his attempt to clear Henderson's cross.
Dalglish's men should have been further ahead within moments of the restart, when another neat build-up ended with Szczesny saving Henderson's low shot and Suarez firing the rebound against the post.
Liverpool could have been out of sight, but instead Arsenal were quickly level when Bacary Sagna sent over a peach of a cross for Van Persie to escape Jamie Carragher and head home at the near post.
The setback did not stop the home side coming forward and they were denied by the woodwork on a second occasion before the break - and the 21st time in total this season - when Kuyt met Charlie Adam's cross with a flicked finish that came back off the post.
A lengthy delay at the start of the second half - when Mikel Arteta suffered concussion and a jaw injury in an off-the-ball collision with Henderson - seemed to bring a halt to the Reds' momentum however.

Arsenal began creating more openings, with home keeper Pepe Reina reacting brilliantly to keep out a Theo Walcott snapshot that took a deflection off Martin Skrtel on its way through to goal.
But Liverpool still looked the most likely to win it, Martin Kelly wasting a glorious chance when he miscued at the far post from a delicious Kuyt cross.
So it was a big surprise when, at the start of nine minutes of stoppage time caused by Arteta's injury, Van Persie latched on to Song's lofted through ball and smashed home a first-time shot at Reina's near post.
That took Van Persie's tally to 30 goals for the season, including 25 in the league, and gave the Gunners' own hopes of finishing fourth a huge boost.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal

A mistake by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina allowed Arsenal to salvage a draw against a Reds side who had Joe Cole sent off on his Premier League debut.
Cole was red-carded for a lunge on Laurent Koscielny before David Ngog's driven shot put Liverpool ahead.
The lead lasted until the last minute when Marouane Chamakh diverted a cross against the post and Reina spilled the rebound into his own net.
Koscielny was then sent off for a second bookable offence in injury-time.
The late drama capped a frantic finish to the game, with Reina the unlikely culprit as victory eluded a Liverpool side who had resolutely held Arsenal at bay.
Reina had produced two key earlier saves to help maintain Liverpool's lead as the Reds had defended with discipline and determination to neutralise Arsenal after Cole had received the first red card of his career.

The arrival of Cole at Anfield on a free transfer had been heralded as one of the transfer coups of the summer, with Liverpool desperate for the kind of creativity and invention the playmaker would bring.
But, instead of the England international arriving to help restore Liverpool's fortunes, his Premier League debut for the Merseysiders quickly turned into a nightmare.
He had been deployed in his favoured position in the hole behind striker Ngog but he cut a subdued figure as he failed to get into the game, with Arsenal quickly closing him down on the rare occasions he was in possession.
His afternoon got worse on the stroke of half-time when he produced a reckless challenge on Koscielny and referee Martin Atkinson wasted little time in producing a straight red card.
Koscielny was stretchered off, although he did come back out after the break.
Hodgson can understand Cole red card
Cole's dismissal had come shortly after a Glen Johnson shot had been tipped over the bar by Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia and an Ngog header from a Gerrard corner had been cleared off the line by Gael Clichy.
Those were rare chances in an opening half in which Arsenal had easily dominated possession and looked the more threatening.
It appeared the Gunners, with the numerical advantage of an extra player, would only add to the danger they posed but they were jolted out of any sort of complacency.
The visitors gave possession away on the edge of their area and Javier Mascherano seized on the loose ball to play in Ngog, who angled in a shot which Almunia will be disappointed to have let in at his near post.
Arsenal were shaken and the 10 men of Liverpool seized the initiative, with Ngog wasting a promising chance to add to the lead when he headed a Steven Gerrard free-kick over from six yards.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had insisted beforehand that his side were ready to launch a title assault this season and this was an early test of their credentials.
The visitors passed and probed and went close as Thomas Vermaelen headed wide from a Tomas Rosicky cross, before Reina tipped a Theo Walcott free-kick round the post.
Reina also tipped a Rosicky strike just over the bar but Arsenal were frustrated by the fortitude of a Liverpool side showing the type of character and combativeness they hoped would secure a notable win - even with a groggy Daniel Agger struggling after being hit by a ball in the face.
However, when Rosicky whipped in a cross into the Reds area in the 89 minute, Reina's normal assured manner deserted him and Arsenal were provided with a share of the spoils.

Liverpool 1 - 2 Arsenal

A dissapointing night again for Liverpool FC and it's that Russian man again that is the hero for the opponents! Andrey Arshavin was Liverpool's tormentor again as Arsenal secured a vital win at Anfield to close the gap on Premier League pacesetters Chelsea and Manchester United.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger insists his side can still have a big say on the title race - but his bold claims looked in danger of backfiring as Dirk Kuyt gave Liverpool a deserved interval lead.
Liverpool's £18m full-back Glen Johnson, who suffered a torrid afternoon, unwittingly handed Arsenal a route back into the game when he turned Samir Nasri's cross past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina five minutes after half-time.
And the visitors, who were uncharacteristically off the pace in the opening period, were ahead after 58 minutes with a moment of genius that Arshavin is making his Anfield trademark.
The Russian, who scored four goals in four attempts in a dramatic 4-4 draw at Anfield last season, struck in stunning fashion, controlling brilliantly before firing a thunderous shot high past Reina.

Arshavin's magic totally deflated the hosts who, despite having big guns Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Alberto Aquilani on the pitch in the closing stages, barely mounted any meaningful response as Arsenal closed out the victory with ease.
The result does further damage to boss Rafael Benitez's public guarantee that Liverpool will definitely finish in the top four, with Anfield totally subdued at the final whistle as Arsenal dealt comfortably with a succession of aimless long balls.
Arsenal's emotions were in sharp contrast at the final whistle as they responded to an angry half-time team talk from Wenger and celebrated a victory that leaves them only six points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.
Liverpool were able to pair Gerrard and Torres together for the first time since early October as the Spain striker started after making an appearance as substitute in midweek against Fiorentina.
Aquilani made the reverse journey as he returned to the bench after making his full debut in the midweek Champions League defeat - a decision that left the Italian still waiting to make his full Premier League debut after his £20m summer move from Roma.
Torres' return gave Liverpool's attack an extra air of menace in a first half they dominated, exerting almost complete superiority over Arsenal as the Gunners delivered a desperately poor display.
Gerrard served up the perfect opportunity for Torres to mark his return with a goal after 11 minutes when he laid an inviting pass into his path in the penalty area, but Manuel Almunia read the striker's intentions and saved low down.
Liverpool's captain - and indeed the rest of Anfield - was infuriated when referee Howard Webb ignored what looked highly presentable penalty claims as he fell under challenge from William Gallas.
Gerrard received a measure of criticism for going to ground too easily in the area at Blackburn last Saturday, but he had a clear case here.
Kuyt gave Liverpool the lead they deserved five minutes before the interval, and Arsenal keeper Almunia must take a large share of the responsibility. He failed to deal with Aurelio's free-kick under pressure from Lucas, and Kuyt steered home the loose ball.
Arsenal needed a moment of inspiration or a slice of good fortune to ignite a lifeless display, and salvation arrived in the shape of the latter five minutes after the break.
Nasri's cross looked to be posing no serious threat, but a slight touch off Jamie Carragher wrong-footed Johnson, who bundled the ball past Reina.
There was nothing fortunate about the brilliant finish from Arshavin that put Arsenal ahead eight minutes later, taking a perfect first touch before lashing a finish high past the motionless Reina.
It prompted Benitez into making a change after 65 minutes, sending on Aquilani for Javier Mascherano in an attempt to provide an extra touch of creativity in midfield.
Aquilani's arrival failed to provide any spark, and Arsenal were never under serious pressure as they cruised to victory.

Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Liverpool returned to the top of Premier League after an Anfield classic against Arsenal - but Andriy Arshavin's remarkable four-goal haul delivered a serious blow to their title ambitions.
Rafael Benitez will no doubt praise Liverpool's spirit and ambition, as he did after a similar scoreline in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge last week, but defensive weaknesses fatally undermined a vibrant attacking display.
Liverpool's point puts them ahead of Manchester United on goal difference, but Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions now have a potentially crucial two games in hand.
Arsenal's much-maligned keeper Lukasz Fabianski was Liverpool's tormentor in the first half, but he showed signs of strain after the break as the home side threw caution to the winds backed by a wall of sound from The Kop.
Arshavin provided a lethal spearhead for Arsene Wenger's side, who were under siege for long periods but demonstrated a stunning ability to strike Liverpool on the counter.
The Russian put Arsenal ahead from Cesc Fabregas' cross nine minutes before the interval, but Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, with a brave far post header, struck early in the second half to give Liverpool the advantage.
But as Liverpool tried to capitalise on their supremacy, the lavishly-gifted Arshavin struck twice in the space of three minutes midway through the second half.
He took advantage of Alvaro Arbeloa's hesitation to flash a finish past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and then scored from close range after Fabio Aurelio's poor clearance.
In a tumultuous Anfield atmosphere, Torres scored on the turn to put Liverpool level again before Arsenal swept forward after defending a corner for Arshavin to drive an emphatic finish past Reina from substitute Theo Walcott's pass in the dying seconds.
Benayoun scrambled home during five minutes of frantic stoppage time to give Liverpool hope of a remarkable win, but Arsenal's only remaining alarm was a shout for handball against Abou Diaby that was ignored by referee Howard Webb.
The players left Anfield to a standing ovation - but Liverpool's over-riding emotion will be frustration at failing to turn up the pressure another notch on United.
This may not have been a game for the coaches or tacticians, but for any lover of football this was an outstanding spectacle, liberally strewn with errors but also with outstanding talent.
Also a game watched by joint Reds owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who were tellingly sat next to each other.
Arsenal may be under-strength and out of the title race, but on this evidence they still have the capacity to emerge as a real wild card as the season reaches its climax, with games against Manchester United and Chelsea still to come.
Arsenal keeper Fabianski had been heavily-criticised for his display in the FA Cup semi-final defeat against Chelsea at Wembley - but he produced an inspired first 45 minutes to keep Liverpool at bay.
Torres was an early victim of Fabianski's heroics, first blocking a powerful drive and then saving superbly from a rising angled drive as Liverpool pressed for an early advantage.
Arsenal, despite spending most of the early exchanges on the back foot, still posed a threat and a mix-up between Daniel Agger and Reina presented Fabregas with a chance, but he volleyed wide.
Torres was setting the tone for Liverpool's display with the absence of the inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, and Fabianski was called into action again on the half-hour after the Spanish striker's turn left Kolo Toure trailing in his wake.
And Fabianski's defiance took on greater significance when Arsenal took the lead nine minutes before the interval, courtesy of Arshavin.
Javier Mascherano was caught in possession, allowing Samir Nasri to feed Fabregas - who provided the perfect cross for Arshavin to slam in a powerful finish off the underside of the bar.
Liverpool mounted an instant response, but Fabianski was the barrier once more as he dived to his left to palm away Benayoun's shot from the edge of the area.
It was vital Liverpool struck early after the break - and inevitably it was Torres who provided the priceless equaliser after 49 minutes.
Kuyt was the creator, crossing at the second attempt for Torres to climb and power a downward header that even Fabianski was powerless to stop.
Liverpool were overpowering Arsenal and seven minutes later Benitez's side were ahead thanks to a brave header from Benayoun - a move started when Fabianski played Kieran Gibbs into trouble in the penalty area.
Kuyt gathered possession and found Benayoun at the far post, who threw himself forward ahead of Bacary Sagna to send a looping finish beyond Fabianski, who clawed the ball out but it was comfortably behind the line.
Arsenal were being penned in their own territory almost permanently, and Wenger decided they needed to release the pressure, sending on Walcott to replace Denilson after 65 minutes.
And two minutes later Arsenal were level as Arshavin robbed Arbeloa to send a stunning drive across Reina from 20 yards.
Liverpool were let down by defensive frailties again as Arsenal regained control of what was becoming a classic encounter with 20 minutes left.
Nasri's cross was routine, only for Aurelio to slice his clearance straight to Arshavin, who gratefully slammed a finish beneath the exposed Reina.
Arsenal's lead lasted only two minutes, and once more Torres came to Liverpool's rescue with a turn and finish that Fabianski again touched but could not keep out.
Torres almost claimed a treble of his own with eight minutes left, but Kieran Gibbs was ideally placed on the post to scramble his header off the line.
And then, as Liverpool pressed forward with understandable urgency, they were hit by the sort of sucker punch Arsenal always looked capable of producing as Arshavin grabbed his fourth.
Liverpool were caught from their own corner, as Walcott swept forward to set up Arshavin to hammer his fourth past Reina.
It looked all over for Liverpool, but Benayoun set up the prospect of another final twist in this remarkable tale by scrambling home in a crowded penalty area.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Benayoun, Kuyt (El Zhar 86), Riera (Babel 74), Torres.Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel.
Goals: Torres 49, Benayoun 56, Torres 72, Benayoun 90.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Arshavin, Song, Fabregas, Denilson (Walcott 65), Nasri, Bendtner (Diaby 90).Subs Not Used: Mannone, Eduardo, Vela, Ramsey, Eboue.
Booked: Sagna.
Goals: Arshavin 36, 67, 70, 90.
Att: 44,424
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas toe-poked a late goal to cancel out Steven Gerrard's first-half free-kick as Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League.
Gerrard struck on seven minutes, while Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saved from Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky's lob was cleared off the line.
After the break Emmanuel Eboue hit the post and Fabregas fluffed the rebound.
But Fabregas equalised on 80 minutes and later hit the post as both sides remained unbeaten in the league.
The result means Arsenal reclaim top spot in the table from Manchester United, having scored more goals than their rivals, after an absorbing encounter at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez opted for a three-pronged attack with Fernando Torres back after a thigh injury and lining up alongside Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin.
But it was soon apparent that Torres was not going to last the game and he quickly became a passenger in an ineffective front line.
Liverpool's saving grace was the driving force of skipper Gerrard and it was his right boot that delivered a crushing blow, when his ferocious free-kick rocketed past Manuel Almunia.
After a perceived dip in form, Gerrard was playing like a man out to prove a point and he had already tested Almunia with a fizzing low drive.
His harrying denied Arsenal's midfield any time on the ball, but gradually Arsenal regained their composure and played their way into the game to dominate territory and possession.
Yet some breathtaking passing movements between the recalled Tomas Rosicky, Alex Hleb and Fabregas, in particular, could not carve out an equaliser.
Adebayor raced through on goal only for keeper Reina to superbly close him down and save with his chest.
And when Reina was beaten by a deft Rosicky lob, Sami Hyypia was on hand to hook the ball off the line.
Liverpool almost punished Arsenal when Gerrard - who else - thundered in a volley that Almunia pushed over the bar.
Inevitably Liverpool replaced the struggling Torres with Peter Crouch at half-time.
And it did not take long for the substitute striker, who scored a hat-trick against Arsenal last year, to make his presence felt as his powerful drive brought a superb flying save out of Almunia.
Arsenal should have equalised when a slick move crafted a chance for Eboue and his shot cannoned back off the post straight to Fabregas, who made a hash of his effort with the goal gaping.
Instead the visitors could have found themselves two goals down. Crouch latched on to a through ball but dragged his low shot across goal.
Then Arsenal had another scare when John Arne Riise's volley from the edge of the box dipped late but found the roof of the net.
Fabregas eventually made up for his earlier miss when he got on the end of a Hleb through ball to nudge the ball beyond Reina and ensure Arsenal have scored in every game this season.
It could have been even better for Fabregas and Arsenal, but the Spaniard saw a late shot come back off the post and Nicklas Bendtner hit his first-time shot over when he had time to take a touch.
· Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:"It was going well but we had problems with Torres. We wanted to use his pace and he then had the injury, then Xabi Alonso and we had to change.
"We now have a good record away and need to improve at home.
"But a draw at the end, because Arsenal also had chances, was probably not the worst result."
· Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:"It was a big test today but we have shown tremendous quality.
"Overall it was a great football game, a bit of an edgy start and we were a bit nervous and punished quickly.
"But from then on it was all us and it was a question of not conceding a second and coming back. We had enough chances to win the game."
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso (Arbeloa 68), Gerrard, Voronin (Benayoun 65), Kuyt, Torres (Crouch 46).Subs Not Used: Itandje, Babel.
Booked: Voronin, Mascherano, Carragher.
Goals: Gerrard 7.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Silva 74), Eboue (Bendtner 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky (Walcott 66), Adebayor.Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.
Booked: Rosicky, Toure, Fabregas.
Goals: Fabregas 80.
Att: 44,122
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).