A Robbie Keane strike helped the reds to a point, although Liverpool can be very disappointed they didn’t go on to win against an Arsenal side which ended up with 10 men on the pitch.
Liverpool, playing in an unusual grey shirt, red short combo, dominated the vast majority of the game but it was Robin van Persie who scored the first goal after pulling away from the reds centre back.
Keane was back in the side, and Insua was restored to the team ahead of Dossena who had a nightmare last week. Rafa Benitez didn’t attend the game due to still suffering from his operation earlier this week – leaving Sammy Lee to shout the orders. But the orders were still Rafa’s – connected by mobile phone to the Liverpool dug out throughout the game.
Keane’s goal arrived as the game was heading to half time. A long ball up front and Keane smashed it first time – an unstoppable hit that rippled against the top of the net.
Liverpool knocked the ball around better than many occasions this season and could and should have had more in the second half.
Adebayor was sent off for Arsenal after two bookable offences – the second looked a bit ropey to be fair, but far too many yellow cards were issued all around by referee Howard Webb in a game he should have expected to have had a bit of grit about it.
Liverpool couldn’t make the most of the numerical advantage and such has been the reds progress in recent months that a draw away at Arsenal was a disappointment.
The reds are top by two points, but Chelsea play tomorrow.
Teams
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas (Diaby 46), Song Billong, Nasri (Eboue 90), Adebayor, Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere.
Sent Off: Adebayor (62).
Booked: Adebayor, Van Persie, Sagna.
Goals: Van Persie 24.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Leiva Lucas (Ngog 88), Alonso, Riera (Babel 71), Gerrard, Keane (El Zhar 81).
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Benayoun, Plessis.
Booked: Keane, Carragher, Leiva Lucas.
Goals: Keane 42.
Att: 60,094
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
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