'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Liverpool ended their draught against Arsenal with a thumping win at the Emirates stadium. The match was disrupted by rain limiting the game to a dense midfield battle. Arsenal came into the game suffering terribly due to injuries, suspensions and exits. The signs were ominous and add to this the upsurge of this Liverpool side. Liverpool were clearly the better side on the opening weekend playing against Sunderland as compared to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Dalglish was quietly confident going into the game and his aspirations were duly fulfilled.
Arsenal’s vulnerability was inscribed large on their team sheet as they fielded new players in Carl Jenkinson and Emmanuel Frimpong. Despite of the speculation about Nasri’s imminent move to Manchester City, he figured in the team’s line-up and was by far their best player on the day. On the other hand, Liverpool made two changes to their team for this fixture. Dirk Kuyt found himself in the starting XI assisting Andy Carroll and Martin Kelly replaced Flanagan. Although Flanagan’s absence was predicted, not fielding Suarez was clearly a gamble that could have backfired.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal were ordinary to begin with and chances came few and far between. Liverpool gradually took control of the game after Koscielny had to be replaced due to a nagging back problem. Arshavin had threatened once before from the edge of the box but other than that, they looked listless. Andy Caroll came closest to scoring with a header in the 20th minute that was wanting a bit in power. The lanky striker has impressed in his two appearances so far but is yet to put himself on the score-sheet this season.
For Arsenal, the positive was that Szczesny made a few assured saves in the goal. Frimpong made a potent attempt on goal from long-distance and forced a save from Pepe Reina who was otherwise unperturbed. Nasri showed his genius in bits but the Arsenal fans were clearly disinterested in his efforts though the Frenchman gave his best in what would be, most probably, his last game for the gunners.
Arsenal furthered their own woes as Frimpong cut-short his Premier League debut with a rash and unnecessary tackle. Dalglish introduced Suarez and Raul Meireles into the game and Liverpool looked a more confident side thereon. Just 11 minutes from the end of time, Arsenal were betrayed by fortune as the ball hit Ramsey as it was being cleared and ended up in the back of the net. Suarez added the second the last minutes of the game to add salt to fresh wounds.
This gives Liverpool 4 points in 2 games whereas Arsenal are stranded on a solitary point.
