Kenny Dalglish named an unchanged Liverpool side for the trip to Arsenal following a great win at home to Man City on Monday night. This meant that 18 year old John Flanagan retained his place at right back in a reds defence that was seriously weakened by injuries even before Sundays game. When the game started, Liverpool's seemingly never ending bad luck with injuries continued as an injury prone Aurelio limped off in the first half yet again, this time after just 17 minutes. This then opened the door for another of Liverpool's impressive youth as a 17 year old Jack Robinson came on. Robinson has already played once for the reds before, when he became the youngest ever Liverpool player at the end of last season in a game against already relegated Hull however after impressing in the reserves this season, he allowed Kenny to show once again that he has no problem in switching players between the two. Robinson and Flanagan both impressed again and didn't allow the talented Walcott, Nasri, Arshavin, Van Persie et al get the better of them and showed confidence and composure despite the lack of experience.
This confidence comes mainly from Dalglish picking them to step up to the first team but also from the motivation he gives them. This motivation was clear to see when Robinson was called to come on. It could be seen that Dalglish was joking and laughing with Robinson and little things like that can lift a lot of pressure and calm a lot of nerves for a youngster especially when he will have been expecting to spend the game on the bench. Another player who has really benefited from the confidence boost given by a run of games is Jay Spearing. The little midfield terrier had a great game against Arsenal and along with Lucas (who also had a great game) they didn't allow Fabregas and Wilshere any time on the ball and they easily stopped them taking any control of the game as they usually do. Fabregas and Wilshere who are regarded as two of the best midfielders in the league, have a habit of dominating games on their own but to the credit of Lucas and Spearing it was the Liverpool duo that dominated and this was very important to protect the makeshift defence behind them.
In terms of the first half Liverpool were clearly on the back foot and Arsenal had large periods of possession however the patched up defence held firm and only really looked like being penetrated from set-pieces. Liverpool were denied a good shout for a penalty when Spearing was brought down, Diaby headed just wide and Koscielny hit the bar but that was it as far as real chances came in the first half. The second half brought yet another defensive injury for Liverpool as Carragher was knocked out by a collision with Flanagan which resulted in a long delay. Again the way Dalglish handled the situation by calling the youngster over was admirable. Had he just been left standing and watching as his captain and mentor over the past 2 games received oxygen and was put on a spinal board, who knows what would have been going through his head knowing it was a collision with him that caused it. By calling him over and reassuring him that it couldn't be helped Dalglish proved his man management skills.
Liverpool's weakened defence got weaker however there was another worry at the other end as Carroll seemed to go over on his ankle and injure his knee at the same time. It wasn't that bad for the reds however as another youngster, Shelvey, came on. This seemed to have changed the mentality of Suarez who found more success up front with Kuyt. Suarez forced a good save from Szczesny however Van Persie also forced Reina into a even better save. The game continued and 8 minuted of added time were put up by the officials following Carra's injury. In the 97th minute Spearing tangled with Fabregas in the box and referee Mariner pointed to the spot. It was the only mistake Spearing had made all game but when Van Persie put it away well in the 98th minute it seemed over for Liverpool. Kuyt hit a shot straight from the kick off that nearly caught out Szczesny and also proved that Liverpool hadn't given up. They kept the fight going and Shelvey managed to force the ball to Lucas on the edge of the box. Song took a swipe at Lucas and he fell into the box causing claims for a penalty but Mariner made the right decision to award a free kick. Suarez took the kick and it hit the wall which had moved forward a good few yards. The ball bounced out wide towards Lucas and Eboue bundled him over which resulted in another penalty. Kuyt stepped up to take it and showed a lot of composure to slot it past Szczesny in the 102nd minute. While Spearing was well deserving of the man of the match award I would give it to Lucas who showed the same tenacious attitude and also won the free kick and penalty for the equaliser.
The draw was the right result and a fair result however it doesn't really help either team in their league positions. Kenny Dalglish then had a run in with Wenger after their thoughts differed about the penalty and the Scot told the Frenchman where to go. People may say that Liverpool have gifted the title to Man Utd however they only got 3 points from Liverpool this season while Arsenal got 2 points so only if the title is won by 1 point will I agree with that statement. Things definitely look good for Liverpool with the youth coming through however the injuries are a worry but there doesn't seem to be much to play for as the gap seems to big to bridge considering Spurs have 2 games in hand. One thing is certain however, if the never say die attitude from this game is anything to go by then 4th place wont be given up on.
Next up is Birmingham at home on Saturday.
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