Arsenal-Liverpool ( 21 Dec 2008)

The clash between the BIG FOUR is always awaited with bated breadth amongst supporters of either side, every supporter praying his team come out victorious,some yearning for a cracker of a match,some just praying to watch a good game of football. The clash between GUNNERS & THE REDS on Sunday proved to be an equally contested match,lively and all action packed.

Liverpool,the league leaders flew south to London for their big match before the 'Boxing Day' schedule to stay on top of the league. The Reds started with the worst combination of their kit; grey jerseys and red pants ( not the perfect football attire). The match started off well with Arsenal playing their usual style of football,free-flowing and attacking and Liverpool playing the typical European style football. Liverpool dropped their left full back Dossenna; who was in bad shape against Hull City,replacing him with Insua( a promising left full back). Arsenal had their first chance when Sagna's cross was headed by the Togo striker Adebayor,to fall into Reina's hands. Both teams had good possession of the ball after that but just couldn't penetrate the opponents defence. Arsenal made the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Nasri; the 21 year old French midfielder swooped the ball from the half way mark to Van Persie who controlled the ball superbly,made a quick turn,had the pace to get to the ball before Carragher and slotted the ball into the net with awesome power,beating Pepe Reina. Cheers to Persie for a wonderful goal. But it was not game over, Liverpool are one team who can sting you time and again and that too in the most ulikely circumstances. Last year's Q-final match with Arsenal in the UEFA champions league proved that . Liverpool equalized just before half time and guess who slotted the ball past Alumunia( Arsenal's GK)? It was none other than the much criticized Robbie Keane, Liverpool's costly buy this summer. Keane silenced his critics with that wonderful goal,take calmly with absolute composure.

Liverpool could have netted one more goal before half time,Kuyt getting past Clichy and passing the ball right across the face of the goal to Steve Gee,who slid in with full stretch, just missing the ball by a few cms. Liverpool had a last shot at goal before half time when they received a penalty corner,which was taken rather unconventionally. The ball rolled off to Fabregas who was challenged by Alonso in what looked like a nasty tackle,leaving Fabregas crying when both teams went into the tunnel at half time. Reports confirmed that Fabregas had torn a few ligaments in his knee and would be out for all the festive season's matches. SORRY Fabregas,we'll miss you.

The second half started off well,with Arsenal needing a win to stay on for the title race and remaining in the top four before Christmas. Liverpool played rather defensively, their Assistant manager Sammy Lee giving them instructions because Rafa was still not well to come on to the pitch. The drama started off in the 62nd minute with Adebayor receiving a second yellow card and was sent off by Howard Webb,the match referee. Arsenal was reduced to ten men but Liverpool could not capitalize on this advantage and push for a win. It was Arsenal who tried their level best to go for the winner but the match ended as it had started. Nothing could separate the two teams and both of them walked away with a point each in their bag.