Fan Report: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Liverpool failed to progress into quarter finals of the Carling cup after losing 2-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Both teams played second string teams, in which saw the debut of second half substitute Alberto Aquilani for the visitors.

The Reds came into the game on such a high after an excellent 2-0 win over rivals Man Utd in the Premier League.  And were also boosted by Italian international Alberto Aquilani making the bench, it is starting to look good for the Merseysiders.

The game started very open, with a frantic pace as the visitors Liverpool had the first chance. Within three minutes David N’Gog from the wing whipped a good cross to on running Kuyt. However he could only scuff the attempt wide. Promising start though.

It was then Arsenal’s turn to have their first attempt, through Fran Merida. He had a shot from distance that went well wide, not troubling second choice keeper Cavalieri. Liverpool on nine minutes then had another great chance through Degen.

The Swiss international was found with the ball after an intricate back heal by N’Gog, but in space could only fire his low shot wide of the far post. Arsenal then started to build up the pressure after half chances by Bendtner and Nasri.

There was then a breakthrough just before the twenty minute mark, from an unlikely Fran Merida for Arsenal. Voronin gave the ball away cheaply just outside his own box, which went to the young Spaniard who hit the ball sweetly to see it hit the right post and go in.

It wasn’t however long until Liverpool hit back to equalise, and didn’t they hit back in style. A scorcher from full back Insua, making a real impression this season already. Hit on the bounce with such furiosity from 30 yards as the ball looped and then dipped, skimming the crossbar and going in.

The game still found itself open as from the start, with half chances occurring from Babel and Bendtner. And just before the half time whistle there was a major scramble in the Liverpool box, where they seemed lucky to escape without conceding. A nightmare moment for keeper, Cavalieri.

Similar to the first, the second half got off to a quick pace with both teams straight out of the blocks. It was Arsenal though, that made the breakthrough. On the counter-attack catching Liverpool out, the ball came to Bendtner in the box who was able to hold off Skrtel, to smash the ball into the roof of the net. Arsenal back ahead.

In an attempt to get back into the game, Benitez brought Benayoun on, which I think was a move well needed. It was also time for the introduction of Italian international Alberto Aquilani as the away crowd gave him a standing ovation. A long awaited debut for the talented midfielder, who straight away showed his class with a fantastic long ball, almost like watching Alonso.

Liverpool unfortunately seemed to have missed the best chance for them to equalise the game. With ten minutes only remaining, Dirk Kuyt pinged a ball across goal for Babel, who despairingly couldn’t make real contact with it. From that moment only half chances were available for Liverpool, which ended in a frustrating game for the visitors.

A positive though to come out of it was the debut appearance for Aquilani who showed the fans a little something for them to expect in future games, with an acrobatic attempt on goal from an over head kick. It was however blocked by Senderos.

Liverpool will come away from the game with a chance at winning some all so important silverware gone. Benitez saw some of his youngsters and fringe players impress in a good spectacle of football, however will be disappointed at getting knocked out of the Carling Cup. Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1.

By Jordan Gaines

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