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Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin - Source: Reuters -
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Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin scored four goals in a pulsating 4-4
draw at Anfield on Wednesday to put a huge dent in Liverpool's
Premier League title push.
For the second week running Liverpool shared eight goals, but while
their thriller at Chelsea meant they exited the Champions League
full of pride, they will rue the two points dropped against the
Gunners despite going top of the table.
Liverpool have 71 points and are above Manchester United on goal
difference but United have seven games remaining to Liverpool's
five, starting at home to Portsmouth on Wednesday. Chelsea are
third on 67, with Arsenal fourth on 62.
The lethal Arshavin, Arsenal's record signing, seemed to have won a
rip-roaring contest after a quick counter-attack in the 90th minute
only for Yossi Benayoun to grab a stoppage-time equaliser for
Liverpool with his second goal of the night.
Fernando Torres also struck twice and had a late header cleared off
the line as Liverpool threw everything forward. However, crucial
mistakes at the back cost them dearly as they strive for a first
English title since 1990.
"We made too many mistakes but we showed character and never gave
up so that's a positive for the rest of the season," Liverpool
manager Rafael Benitez told Sky Sports.
"It's difficult to explain. Maybe we were a bit nervous and had
some anxiety but it's one more point against a good team.
"United are in the driving seat but we showed until the last minute
that we fight and we will do until the last game."
Shock lead
Liverpool, still without injured captain Steven Gerrard, marauded
forward from the first whistle with Torres having two early chances
to put them ahead and Benayoun bravely denied by Arsenal keeper
Lukasz Fabianski.
Arshavin gave Arsenal a shock lead nine minutes before halftime
from Cesc Fabregas's pull back.
Liverpool came out firing in the second half and within 10 minutes
of the restart they were ahead.
First, Torres sent a bullet header into the corner from Dirk Kuyt's
cross and Kuyt was again the supplier as he lofted a ball into the
area for Benayoun to touch over the line.
At that stage Liverpool looked set to stretch away but they were
guilty of some terrible defending.
After 67 minutes Arshavin robbed Alvaro Arbeloa of the ball and
strode on to thrash a shot past Pepe Reina and he completed his
hat-trick three minutes later when Fabio Aurelio's sloppy clearance
fell at his feet.
Two minutes later Torres showed a magic touch to work some space
and shoot past the despairing dive of Fabianski and the Spaniard
was then denied a hat-trick when his glancing header was nodded off
the line by young left back Kieran Gibbs.
As Liverpool searched for the winner, Walcott raced upfield and
played in Arshavin, who again showed just why Arsenal pursued him
for so long when he was at Zenit St Petersburg by walloping another
shot past Reina.
Liverpool's title dream appeared to be shattered but there was
still time for Benayoun to cap a superb display with a scuffed
winner when the ball dropped to him in the area.
