Andrei Arshavin Steals the Show at Anfield With Amazing Four Goal Haul

Tuesday night saw one of the most remarkable games in the history of the Premier League. The match between Liverpool and Arsenal, played at Anfield, produced a thrilling 4-4 draw.

This is the second time in a week that Liverpool have taken part in a 4-4 draw (the previous being against Chelsea in an equally amazing Champions League match) and the third game in a row where they have scored four goals.

With Arsene Wenger admitting before the game that Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie would be unavailable for the game, Arsenal's attacking options looked bleak. However, Andrei Arshavin proved the doubters wrong by becoming the first player in over 60 years to score four goals at Anfield in a league game.

Liverpool arguably started the stronger of the two teams looking dangerous in attack; however, they fell behind to Arshavin’s first goal just after the half hour mark. Liverpool duly responded through Torres and 10 minutes after the interval found themselves 2-1 up through Yossi Benayoun with help from more suspect defending from Arsenal.

The emphasis was definitely on attack throughout the match. Some evidence of this can be seen from the eight goals on show along with two disallowed goals for Arsenal (both marginal offsides), and Lukasz Fabianski and Pepe Reina will both admit that they we’re busier than they would have liked.

Statistics show that Arshavin touched the ball a mere 20 times, with four of those touches resulting in goals. The second and the fourth of the Russians goals showed his impressive technical ability with the ball at his feet. For Arsenal’s second goal Arshavin shrewdly pinched the ball off of a lax Arbeloa, cut inside and smashed a venomous swerving shot past a helpless Reina.

Arshavin later admitted that he does not view himself as being at full potential because he was so quiet during the opening periods of the match.

“I don't think I have adapted yet because in the first half I was quiet except for the one moment when I scored. It's difficult but I will try—I need time…and then everything will be better.”

If this statement has any truth behind it then we could be witnessing the beginning of a truly amazing Premier League career for the Russian. Arshavin again showed his class in the 90^thminute with another sublime finish. With the scores level at 3-3, Theo Walcott broke away on the right handside with only Jamie Carragher ahead of him. Arshavin, using his exceptional pace, appeared from nowhere on the left of Walcott to offer a perfect chance for a one-on-one with Reina.

Walcott neatly played the ball into the Russian however, running at full throttle Arshavin only had time to touch the ball once onto his unfavoured left foot before again rifling past a helpless Pepe Reina.

Liverpool managed to rescue a point in the 92^nd minute a cap a remarkable night of football. The match ebbed and flowed with both sets of fans thinking that the game had escaped them.

It is true that it would have been harsh on either team had they lost but with Arsenal leading in the 91^st minute and Liverpool dropping two points at home, neither team left Anfield completely happy.

At times Arsenal’s passing and movement to get in behind the Liverpool defence was football of the highest quality, however on too many occasions they were let down by their suspect defence. Liverpool will have to improve defensively if they are to have any chance of catching Manchester United at the top of the league.

Arshavin showed his class on Tuesday night with sublime finishing and efficiency and with Arsenal still set to play Manchester United three more times this season and Chelsea once, it is looking set to be a fascinating end to what has already been an amazing footballing season.

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