Liverpool beat Arsenal in 4-2 Champions League thriller
Gerrard penalty helps Liverpool to dramatic win
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Tuesday, 08, Apr 2008 10:45
Liverpool's fine Champions League form continued as they achieved a stunning 4-2 victory at home against Arsenal.
After two 1-1 draws in the space of a week, the game could not have been any more evenly poised, though it was the London side that started the brightest, brushing off the electric Anfield atmosphere and pushing forward from the kick off.
Arsene Wenger's confidence was duly rewarded as Abou Diaby drilled in a shot to beat Pepe Reina at his near post after driving into the box from the right.
The visitors were not content to sit back on their lead and continued to press, playing some of their best football for the best part of two months.
Despite all their fine work they failed to double their advantage and were left ruing their lack of a killer touch as Phillipe Senderos gave Liverpool defender Sami Hypia ample time and space to head a corner in off the post and over Cesc Fabregas on the Arsenal goal-line.
The equaliser gave Rafa Benitez's men a new sense of confidence and it came as no surprise when Spanish striker Fernando Torres thundered in a shot on the turn past the stranded Manuel Almunia.
In a sensational twist, Arsenal then looked to have won the game on away goals after substitute Theo Walcott ran almost the entire length of the pitch to set up Emanuel Adebayor to level matters at 2-2.
However, just as at the Emirates Stadium, Arsene Wenger's men failed to tighten up after the goal and Kolo Toure pulled back Ryan Babel in the area to allow captain Steven Gerard to give Liverpool a 3-2 lead from the spot.
Babel then added a fourth in front of the Kop, securing a third Champions League semi-final in four years for Liverpool.