Cannonballs: The Anfield Test
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Prior to Sunday's Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield many pundits called this Arsenal's first real test of the season. It is true that Arsenal have been fortunate in the scheduling department so far by not having to play to far away from North London, except for an away match against Blackburn. Also this was the first fixture against one of the preseason favorites that was considered at having a fighting chance for the league title. This would be the Anfield Test and I must say that Arsenal came through just fine.
Liverpool took an early lead on a fantastic free kick from Steven Gerrard. It was a rocket but, the reason it went in more than anything is because the Arsenal wall left a huge gap that was exploited by Gerrard. After that the Gunners seemed to settle into the game. The passing became crisper and chances were created, even if none of them were taken. Emmanuel Adebayor found himself bearing down on goal but a real piece of classy goalkeeping by Pepe Reina kept Arsenal off the board. Kolo Toure made one those thundering runs down the entire length of the pitch and passed to Adebayor whose return pass to Toure was just overcooked. Halftime and it was still 1-0 to Liverpool.
A few more things became very clear in the second half. First was that Liverpool's striker Fernando Torres was clearly not fit and I have to question his selection into the starting side. Peter Crouch who came on in the second half posed more of a threat to the Arsenal than Torres. Liverpool's attack clearly was not the same after Xabi Alonso was forced to be substituted in the 68th minute due to an injury. For Arsenal it was clear that Cesc Fabregas has added finishing to an already skillful and talented game. A perfectly lifted pass from Alexander Hleb found an on rushing Fabregas who toe poked home for the equaliser.
Was a draw a fair result? In the end I can't argue with it, Arsenal did have chances to gain the victory but Liverpool also created chances that could have led to their second. Anyways, taking a point away at Anfield is a good feeling and I think it sets the team up well for the upcoming match at home against Manchester United next weekend.
Oh, and in the midweek Arsenal will travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in the 4th Round of the Carling Cup. As always I will be fascinated by the team that Arsene Wenger will choose to face the Blades.
