Some amateurish defending from Arsenal allows FC Porto to take a one goal lead going into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. A terrible night for the Gunners’ Polish keeper Lukasz Fabianski. Arsenal are still favourites thanks to their away goal and Porto’s failure to win even a single game on their past visits to England.
Full time score :- Porto 2-1 Arsenal ( Varela, Falcao/ Sol Campbell)
Arsenal did their hopes of challenging for the title no harm, while Liverpool suffered another blow to their title aspirations. The Reds deservedly lead 1-0 at the break, but an unfortunate own goal from Glen Johnson and a brilliant finish from Andrei Arshavin allowed Arsenal to complete their comeback.
Final score :- Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal ( Dirk Kuyt/ Glen Johnson OG, Andrei Arshavin)
Liverpool vs Arsenal– December 13, 2009 (16.00 GMT kickoff)
Arsenal will seek to secure their first win at Anfield since October 2003 when they meet Liverpool in Sunday’s only Premier League fixture. Both the teams are way off the pace in the league, especially Liverpool, who are a whopping twelve points behind leaders Chelsea. Arsenal on the other hand are eight points behind Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but do have one game in hand.
Defeat for Liverpool would put a further dent into their already slim title aspirations, while a loss for the Gunners will again bring their title challenge into scrutiny. Loads of punters are unclear as to whom to put as favourites, but many people are putting their money on the Gunners despite their injury hit squad. The Gunners’ last trip to this stadium was an eight goal thriller in which Andrei Arshavin scored four times. The little Russian is again expected to start in the final third of the pitch in the absence of Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.
The Torres Factor:- What kind of role could El Nino play?
Torres was a substitute in Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash against Fiorentina. The Spanish marksman is tipped to start against the Gunners and manager Rafa Benitez will be hoping that the striker can produce a moment of genius similar to the one he conjured against Manchester United.
Liverpool form- Are the Reds in red hot form?
Unfortunately they aren’t. Liverpool have won just two of their last eight league games, and failed to break down a solid Blackburn Rovers side last weekend.