Liverpool after late drama
LONDON,  (Reuters) – Arsenal’s title hopes took another blow when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Liverpool yesterday after an astonishing finale which saw both teams convert stoppage time penalties.
Second-placed Arsenal thought they had won it when Dutch striker Robin van Persie slotted home in the eighth minute of injury time only to see Dirk Kuyt reply from another penalty with the last kick of the game.
The twelve minutes added on for treatment of a head injury to Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher were a complete contrast to normal time, which saw precious few chances.
Arsenal, who are trailing leaders Manchester United by six points with six games remaining, were left to rue a series of missed chances after Laurent Koscielny hit the bar with a header and Van Persie had a goal ruled out for offside.
“Liverpool defended, defended and defended and we had to throw everything forward. We have to take it and continue to fight,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports.
“I don’t think it was a penalty. What can you do about it?” he added.
Arsenal dominated possession in the first half but Koscielny’s header from a Van Persie corner was the closest they came to breaking down a dogged Liverpool defence.
Nicklas Bendtner and Andrei Arshavin were thrown on as the home side searched for a goal, which finally came after Jay Spearing tripped Cesc Fabregas to win the penalty converted by Van Persie.
But four minutes later, Liverpool replied when Emmanuel Eboue fouled Lucas Leiva and Van Persie’s fellow Dutchman Kuyt, who on Saturday extended his contract until 2013, equalised.
Liverpool, who have not won away at Arsenal since 2000, lost centre-back Carragher, who was carried off on a stretcher after a clash of heads early in the second half.
Manager Kenny Dalglish praised his side’s resolve after Fabio Aurelio had earlier been withdrawn with a hamstring injury and striker Andy Carroll also left the pitch in the second half with an injured knee.
“The commitment that they showed, we can be proud of it. You won’t find a more committed team than ours,” he told Sky Sports.