Arsenal title hopes nearly over as cheating ensues

Arsenal’s title hopes suffered their biggest dent till date as they nearly lost to rivals Liverpool here at Emirates Stadium. Fresh after their clash at the same stadium 72 hours before, the two teams met again for a league match.

At their UEFA clash, Arsenal drew 1-1 despite a Hleb penalty chance and a Fabregas kick on goal only to be blocked by compatriot Bendtner in face of goal. Unlucky, huh??

After their clash, the managers Benitez and Wenger fielded second choice squads as Liverpool left Voronin, Kuyt, Babel, skipper Gerrard and main striker Torres on the bench as Peter Crouch played a lone match as their main striker after a long time. Wenger meanwhile left out Van Persie and kept Adebayor, Hleb on the bench as a lesser known team tried to defend Arsenal’s home record.

Liverpool played dominantly from the start as they passed amazingly well. A third minute effort on goal from Crouch was stopped by a diving Almunia. But the Reds were not to be denied, as they attacked constantly through Benayoun, Pennant and Riise.

Arsenal’s chance came in the 34th minute as Fabregas splayed a worthy chance. Bendtner missed the only first half chance as his touch was too weak to defeat Spanish Reina after Walcott was pushed by Riise. Another chance was dropped as an Eboue pass could not be converted as Flamini was pushed by Carragher.

Liverpool scored in the 42nd minute after a beautiful Riise pass saw Crouch dodge the defence in a funny wiggly kick passed Almunia’s defence. The Gunners entered half time one down.

What happened during half time, God only knows, as the second half saw Liverpool struggling as Arsenal reigned supreme. They scored through a beautiful Fabregas freekick as Bendtner headed it home. Arsenal passed and passed, only to find Carragher and Carragher again and again. Many substitutions were made as Adebayor and Hleb for Arsenal and Voronin, Torres and Gerrard were brought in, but to no avail. The match ended in a thrilling tie.

Arsenal’s match was marred with fouls as refereeing was very poor AGAIN! Walcott was slapped inside the box, Fabregas was pulled by the cuff inside the box and Walcott had to confront a 3 on 1 attack on him. I know Liverpool wanted to draw, but they should not have used such cowardly methods in the game. Kudos to them for the fist half, though!!
This draw keeps Arsenal at third after Chelsea won against Manchester City 2-0, a comfortable victory, three ahead of Arsenal. While the Manchester United and Chelsea fans can scream with joy at Arsenal’s virtual demise, the Gooners can only hope for a miracle for the Gunners to win the title.

Go Arsenal!!!!!!

Here are the videos courtesy TVGOLO!!!

Peter Crouch, 42nd minute, 0-1

Nicklas Bendtner, 54th minute, 1-1