Arsenal Beaten By Controversial Liverpool Penalty

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Liverpool 4 - 2 Arsenal

This was a match that had everything including, great skill, drama, controversy, and emotion. The two sides are particularly well known to each other as, amazingly, this was the third time they had clashed in only six days.

Arsenal started out with more purpose, and they were soon rewarded when Diaby received the ball from Hleb, and drove it in, off Reina, after only l3 minutes of play. The visitors continued to make their presence felt, and looked to be the most likely to score again. However, after half an hour, against the run of play, Liverpool got their equaliser. A Liverpool corner found Hyypia, virtually unmarked, and he rose to the occasion to send a smart header past Fabregas, with Almunia beaten.

So, at the interval it was all to play for, but there was no doubt that Liverpool's equaliser had boosted their confidence. Crouch was able to flick the ball to Torres who, although seemingly well marked, managed to swivel and blast the ball into the net in the 69th minute. Liverpool now had the advantage and would be reluctant to surrender the lead.

After 72 minutes, Arsene Wenger substituted Walcott for Eboue and Van Persie for Diaby. Possibly he should have acted sooner, because Walcott is not just fast but very fast indeed, and equally skilful. He received the ball well inside the Arsenal half of the field, and moved forward at considerable pace beating six Liverpool defenders in the process. He picked out Adebayor who only had to tap the ball home. They were now level on goals, but in front with their two away goals, and with only six minutes remaining you could not have bet against an Arsenal victory.

Liverpool were not about to give up and immediately responded, but it was a seemingly controversial decision that turned the game. Substitute Babel was adjudged to have been brought down by Toure. From a spectator point of view, Toure's tackle seemed to be a bit clumsy and awkward, but not a punishable offence. However, the referee pointed to the spot, and Steven Gerrard competently converted to put Liverpool back in front after 86 minutes.

Understandably, in the last remaining minutes Arsenal threw everything into attack, and they were caught lacking defensive cover, when Babel sprinted clear and made it four for Liverpool. It was really the penalty that finished Arsenal, and brought about a cruel end to a fine game.

Elsewhere Chelsea beat Fenerbahce, and Manchester United are expected to consolidate their lead over Roma. So there are likely to be three English Premiership teams in the semi finals, with at least one sure to be in the final in May.

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Liverpool Vs Arsenal
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Arsenal