Liverpool-Arsenal: Webb Tries to Ensure a Liverpool Win, but Arsenal Holds On

Arsenal needed to win or their title chances would be truly over. A draw meant that the Gunners still had half a chance of winning their first Premiership title in five years. A draw is what Wengers boys got, but it was a well-deserved draw. However, referee Howard Webb, did his best to ensure Liverpool got the win.

It was a thrilling game. From a neutral point of view, it would have been outstanding to watch. It was Arsenal who got going first with some great chances that all could have resulted in goals.

Bacary Sanga's outstanding crosses early on very nearly ended in Emmanuel Adebayor's ninth goal of the Premiership season. Liverpool had their share of chances too. Steven Gerrard saw his shot superbly saved, and Dirk Kuyts' crosses narrowly missed every one who was in the box.

It was Arsenal, though, who got on the score sheet first with a superb effort from their star striker Robin van Persie, who is starting to hit fine form. Samir Nasri, who did not see much ball early on, played a superb ball that sliced open Liverpool center halves Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher.

Van Persie then chested it down superbly, beating Carragher, and hammered the ball from an almost impossible angle with his weaker right foot. The shot was way too powerful for Liverpool keeper Jose Riena, who was left looking quite bemused.

But unfortunately, on the eve of half time, Liverpool equalised with former Spurs striker, Robbie Keane. Keane managed to get between Arsenal defenders Johan Djourou and William Gallas, and smashed home a half volley into the top corner. It was the only thing the Irishmen did all game.

Then it started to get horrible for Arsenal. Literally the last kick of the first half saw Cesc Fabregas go down in agony. Fabregas, who had looked in good touch in the first half, was said to have knee ligament damage and was immediately taken off and was replaced by Abou Diaby.

It is unsure how long Arsenal's maestro will be out for, but however long it is, it will be tough for the Arsenal midfield.

It then got even worse for Arsenal. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Liverpool's Howard Webb, who was dreadful, gave striker a second yellow card.

The first yellow was ridiculous, as there was very little contact, and the second yellow was even worse as he thought Adebayor had deliberately kicked Liverpool defender Arebola. But the thins was Adebayor was facing the other way and had eyes only on the ball.

Howard Webb booked a host of Arsenal players for questionable offences whilst Liverpool midfielder Lavia Lucas did about sixty horrendous challenges and only just got booked at the very end when the damage was already done. Furthermore Webb booked Bacary Sanga for a 50-50 challenge when seconds before Nasri was tackled recklessly from behind.

So Arsenal had ten men with half an hour left of play, with the current best attacking team who had two serious advantages: Howard Webb was on their side and they had an extra player.

But Arsenal were stunning, making a number of fine tackles and doing their best to get forward as many times as they could. The likes of Alexandre Song, Denilson, William Gallas, Johan Djourou, and Robin van Persie were superb, as Arsenal held off a powerful Liverpool for a draw.

Alexandre Song and Denilson step up in the absence of their captain and maestro, Cesc Fabrgegas. It was a gallant effort from Alexandre Song, especially as he has been out of form recently, but he showed his worth and may just keep his name out of January transfer.

Johan Djourou and William Gallas were both strong and solid, and now look a very strong pair. It is sad that William Gallas does not want to stay, as he has hit fine form.

Arsene Wenger also showed some fine management skills by allowing Emmanuel Eboue to play the last few minutes, so that the Ivorian can return to full confidence. The Arsenal fans who were sorry for their recent outburst gave the Ivorian a huge cheer, which was good to see.

Arsenal fans should be proud. Arsenal may have only gotten a point, but considering the circumstances, it was a great effort by Wenger's men. They will now face Aston Villa, which will be a vital match, as they currently sit fourth. Arsenal will be without captain Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor.