Arsenal @ Anfield

Another international break article...

One game many are pointing to in the title race is Arsenals trip to the fortress known as Anfield. A notoriously difficult place to go, the arena of the astonishing 7-0 hammering of Manchester United a few weeks back.

It will be a real test of our title credentials, but a test we have passed before..

Little more needs to be said about 26th May 1989, but two seasons later Liverpool and Arsenal were once again fighting for the title. Having beaten Liverpool 3-0 at Highbury earlier in the season, this tie was at the business end. A Paul Merson goal sealed an important 1-0 win for Arsenal at Anfield, and the title was soon sewn up in a season we lost just once in the league.

In 1998 we had the title won before our trip to Anfield, but the win two days before Christmas in 2001 is seen as a pivotal moment in Arsene Wengers 2nd title triumph. The previous game ended in a controversial 3-1 defeat to Newcastle, and the controversy continued at Anfield. Gio van Bronckhurst, already booked, was outmuscled by Hyppia. He went down, but quickly got up to chase the ball. However, Paul Durkin somehow concluded this was a dive and showed GvB a second yellow and red. Many teams would have folded but Arsenal actually got stronger, and Freddie Ljungberg broke through and rounded Dudek. The Polish keeper hauled Ljungberg down as he was about to net. The penalty was given and it seemed certain the game was now 10 v 10. Unbelievably Durkin failed to send Dudek off. Henry, though, made no mistake from the spot and early in the second half Pires found Ljungberg and the Swede put us 2-0 up. Litmanen quickly responded but we held on for the win. We didn't lose again that season, dropping just 6 points and romping to the title.

4th October 2003, Arsenal were on an unbeaten run that started the previous season. Liverpool felt this was their year though and Harry Kewell put Liverpool ahead. A Pires free-kick was headed by Edu and diverted into the net by Hyppia to see the teams level at half time. It was Pires who decided the game, cutting back onto his right foot and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner. It was, of course, our invincible PL season although the home tie was more pivotal it was still a great win at Anfield.

It has been over a decade since we last won at Anfield in the league. If we can break that run it will be a massive result and would hopefully join the 4 results above as being Anfield wins in title winning seasons.


(But before then Liverpool can always help us out and beat City at the Etihad...)