Liverpool vs. Arsenal - Walcott's historical goal was not enough to keep his team in the UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, 09 April 08, 08:47 AM
An electrifying match played at Anfield proved why the Premier League is the best club league in the world at the moment. Arsenal and Liverpool fought until the very end for a place in the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Arsenal turned things in their favor when, at minute 13, after a great play from Cesc Fabregas, Darby with a powerful shot put the Gunners ahead (picture). LIVERPOOL 0 x 1 ARSENAL
17 minutes later Hyypia header made things even for Liverpool. LIVERPOOL 1 x 1 ARSENAL
The score was now set for a possible extra time but just as the second half started we could tell that none of the teams were gonna settle for that.
Chances missed from both sides on the second half until Fernando Torres received the ball in the box, turned and with a powerful shot scored a beautiful goal (picture) and put Liverpool ahead. Now the possibility of a penalty shootout didn't was eliminated. LIVERPOOL 2 x 1 ARSENAL
I always criticize the British style of football with their long crosses and physical game but I see hope when I see a kid like Theo Walcott touch the ball. And what a touch he had at minute 84.
Coming from his own field, Walcott dribbled all the Liverpool defenders that came into his way and assisted Adebayor that only had to place the ball into the net. Arsenal tied the game and had one foot on the semis. LIVERPOOL 2 x 2 ARSENAL
But one foot is not enough. Especially when you're playing against a powerful offense like Liverpool's. One minute later Babel invaded Arsenal's box and was tripped after having his shirt pulled. An obvious foul and inside the box it means PENALTY!
Gerrard gave Almunia no chance and Liverpool crashed the Gunner's morale right there. LIVERPOOL 3 x 2 ARSENAL
Arsenal moved all offense. A goal would put them through but with little time to do it, the team got desperate and that gave Liverpool the chance of counter attack. At minute 92 Liverpool confirmed their ticket to the semifinals with Babel socring the 4th goal in a quick counter-attack. LIVERPOOL 4 x 2 ARSENAL
A game that could've gone either way ended with the victory of the most consistent team in the past weeks. Arsenal had a great first half of this season but the team started going down hill since the beginning of the year. That got even worse when Eduardo got injured and now they need to pick up the pieces and fight for at least a place in the next Champions League.
Liverpool moves on to face Chelsea and I believe they have a big chance of pulling this one of and making to the big Final.
Like this blog? Help spread the word:
Manogil, being Brazilian, does Arsenal remind you at all of Tele Santana's Brazil teams of the 80s ?
Arsenal are a better team who played better football but Liverpool got the rub of the green and were a more effective team. Results matter, so Liverpool, despite being outplayed somewhat over the 2 legs, go through.
More saliently, would Toure's collision with Babel be a free kick if 'outside' the box. I put quote because the initial stomach-to-back contact happened outside the box.
And if it was a clear goal scoring opportunity being denied, why did Toure not get a red.
Liverpool remind me now of our Michael Owen. Not a lot of technique but impressive end product. He's scored 4 in 4 but overall played quite average other than the goals.
Perhaps Chelsea will beat Liverpool at their own game ?
now arsenal lose the battle but it didn't lose the war
Well Geordie, if we consider only this last game I could see similarities between Arsenal and 1986 Telê Santana's Brazil (but not 1982 though). They have talented players who know how to control the ball and create plays but many times become so offesively aggressive that exposes the defense to unpleasant surprises. // About the penalty: I watched the game here at OleOle HeadQuarters and everybody agreed that the yellow card was given to the wrong player, what actually happened was that Babel was pulled by a player who came from behind. Then Toure's collided with him. Is that correct?
LINK
Toure still got the card, but you notice, Babel is still on his feet with forward motion when he twists and reaches back with his left arm and then falls.
Geordie, I got intrigued by this penalty so I downloaded the video from youtube and I've been watching it over and over ... (I hate being unfair... lol) And what I can tell you is: Babel invades the box and Cesc tries to stop him but he can't reach. At this point the referee is running right behind them. Then Toure comes from the left, behind Babel and collides with him. It happens because Babel starts to cut to the left to shoot maybe. The ref still has a clear view of the play. I believe somehow Toure's left leg touches Babel's legs from behind and he loses his balance. It's a referee's call but definetly an unfair yellow card. I have the video on my computer if you want to see for yourself. just send me an e-mail: 75bcomunica@gmail.com ... Thank for your participation...
7 Comments
Arsenal deserve to win this match.Arsenal deserve to win this match.
WHat Wenger did wrong today was: [1] Theo should have come-on 30min to the end of the game.[2] Song should have come-in instead of Gilberto (every1 will agree he is done, Song is technical & hungry for a chance). [3] Why on earth will he play Injured & rusty Robin over Bendtner. Bendtner is lik Arsenal's Special Agent. Comes in and score a goal..
WHat did Wenger do wrong today ???: [1] Theo should have come-on 30min to the end of the game.[2] Song should have come-in instead of Gilberto (every1 will agree he is done, Song is technical & hungry for a chance). [3] Why on earth will he play Injured & rusty Robin over Bendtner. Bendtner is lik Arsenal's Special Agent. Comes in and score a goal.
Well, now it's too late. And Arsenal did play a good game but Liverpool was just better tonight. That's just what it is.