Arsenal vs. Liverpool Game Recap

6th place Liverpool took to the pitch this morning at Emirates Stadium to face 2nd place Arsenal for an absolute dramatic and head-turning Barclays Premier League match. The setup and pre-match hype could not have been better, Andy Carrol scored two goals last weekend at Anfield was rewarded with a start for his newest club Liverpool, and 1st place chasing Arsenal looked to close the 5 point gap between them and league leaders Manchester United. 

There were plenty of chances for both teams throughout the game, which was expected, as both teams have built somewhat of a rivalry between the two clubs, who have been in the top 4 of the Premier League together for many seasons, set a fantastic high tempo match. Some crucial saves from Reina to deny Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner late on and a header from Laurent Koscielny hitting the bar in the first half were the only "major" goal scoring oppurtunities. Until stoppage time when the real fun began.

If you turned off the TV or switched the channel because of boredom you missed out on a treat. Because of injuries to Jamie Carragher and some other Liverpool defenders earlier in the match, there was an unprecedented 8 exuberant minutes of stoppage time added on to the second half. In the seventh minute of stoppage time Arsenal were awarded a penalty as Jay Spearing brought down Cesc Fabregas in the penalty box. Robin van Persie stepped up to take the penalty kick and slotted it to Reina's left beautifully. The commentators and spectators had dubbed the goal as the last kick of the game and gave Arsenal the win that would put them within touching distance of league leaders Man United. 

But there was more, some clever passes from Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt edged Liverpool into the final third and their trickery was rewarded, a Liverpool free kick was given just outside the penalty box. Suarez tried to bend the resulting free kick around the 7 man Arsenal wall, but was blocked. Then, after the block from the free kick, the ball was bouncing in Arsenal's penalty box and Lucas Leiva reached it first, ahead of Emmanuel Eboue who clobbered over Leiva and Liverpool was given a penalty kick in the dying moments of the game. With literally the last kick of the game Dirk Kuyt converted the penalty for Liverpool and broke Arsenal's fans   hearts as thousands in Merseyside  cheered on the Dutch captain. 

This goal may have just broken Arsenal's hopes of a Premier League title this season but all is not lost as Arsenal will take on Manchester United in 2 weeks time. If Manchester United drop points and Arsenal win their remaining five games (including the match against Man U) the may have a shot at winning the title.