Arsenal v Liverpool – Advantage Manchester United: Barclays Premier League update (Part 2)
Emmanuel Eboue slotted into right-back for the suspended Bacary Sagna. While many would call it a compromise, seeing how consistent the Arsenal number 3 has been this term, Emmanuel Eboue is a decent full back on his day. To add to that, the Arsenal number 27 is arguably much better going forward; he can cross the ball, is a confident dribbler and has the eye for a pass.
Johan Djourou was back after injury. It earlier appeared that the Swiss international would not feature this season but thanks to some good work from the Arsenal medical team complemented by the centre-back’s determination during the rehabilitation process, Arsenal effectively had a much more solid line of defence further boosted by the return of Wojciech Szczesny.
Liverpool on the other hand, were a much weakened unit in the defence department. Faring the likes of John Flanagan at right-back and Jay Spearing in the centre of the park to shield the back four, it was argued that the Merseyside team had a lot of weak spots.
During the game, the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, had to sub-in more teenage cover in the form of Jack Robinson and Jonjo Shelvey for the likes of Fabio Aurelio and Andy Carroll after the duo suffered injuries during the match. Also on the injury front, the Red’s most influential defender Jamie Carragher suffered a facial injury after making contact with John Flanagan in the 61st minute.
The game headed into half time with much of the game played in midfield. Arsenal did make a considerable amount of chances, as usual, but failed to be clinical on the final third. Their opponents, showed flashes of brilliance and looked threatening on the counter attack.
The injury to Jamie Carragher, as mentioned above, took the medical team nearly 7 minutes to sort out. This resulted in an extended stoppage time of 8 minutes. In the 97th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a challenge on Cesc Fabregas inside the box. The Arsenal number 10, Robin van Persie, stepped up to take the penalty and sent the keeper the other way; slotted the ball neatly low in the left corner.
The Arsenal faithful rejoiced, sensing a title charge on part of the Gunners as they looked to bag all 3 points. However, there was a horrible twist in the 101st minute as Luis Suarez’s free kick was blocked. Eboue, the replacement for Bacary Sagna on the day, pushed Leiva Lucas in the box and the Reds were awarded a penalty of their own. Dirk Kuyt stepped forth and converted on the spot.
It proved to be the final kick of the game.