After making an appearance as a substitute against Fiorentina in midweek, Fernando Torres was named in Liverpool’s starting line-up for the visit of Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday. The Merseysiders outplayed their rivals in a pulsating first-half but with few chances. Liverpool went in at the break ahead of the Londoners courtesy of a Kuyt strike on 41 minutes, but an own goal from Johnson plus a goal from Arshavin with just over half an hour remaining, left the Reds empty-handed. - Premier League table -

It was a bright start for the Anfield club with both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard looking very dangerous for the Reds. The two were linking up well, and their good understanding created Liverpool’s first chance of the afternoon. The Spaniard was played through by the club skipper, but Torres’ shot was blocked by Manuel Almunia in the Arsenal goal.

The striker was very participative in defence, tracking back on more than one occasion to help out the Red midfield and back-line. At the other end, Torres had a good shout for a penalty turned down by the referee after the forward went down in the box under pressure from Gallas.

The home side were controlling possession without creating too much danger. As for Arsenal, Denilson tested Pepe Reina from 30 yards out with a lob which was easily caught by the Liverpool keeper.

With the game nearing half-time, Kuyt struck to give the Merseysiders a deserved lead. A Fabio Aurelio free-kick was punched clear by Almunia, but only as far the Dutchman, who stabbed the ball though a crowd of players to make it 1-0.

Arsenal turned the game on its head with two goals in the opening quarter of an hour of the second period. Glen Johnson inadvertently steered a Nasri cross passed his own keeper, and on 58 minutes, Andrey Arshavin controlled in the box before cracking an unstoppable shot that found the back of the net via the post.

The goal stunned Liverpool who now found themselves behind. Arsenal were defending well as the Reds pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Fernando Torres was still Liverpool’s main threat. The number ‘9’ won two aerial balls in the Arsenal box, but his efforts flew wide of Almunia’s goal. His first header, a flick-on, whistled past the post, whilst his second headed attempt sailed wide.

Rafa Benitez brought on Ngog and Alquilani in a bid to find an equaliser. With the seconds ticking away, Liverpool desperately pushed everyone forward, but the visitors held on for a vital three points. The defeat means that the Merseysiders remain seventh, 13 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson (Degen, 82), Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano (Aquilani, 65), Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun (Ngog, 79), Torres

Booked: Aurelio, Mascherano

Goals: Kuyt 41

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore (Silvestre, 87), Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Walcott (Diaby, 70), Arshavin (Ramsey, 90), Nasri

Booked: Fabregas, Arshavin, Denilson

Goals: Johnson 50 (og), Arshavin 58