Liverpool Edge Arsenal In Round One

The hosts had the best of the play, and the best of the chances, but a backs-to-the-wall performance from brave Liverpool saw them maintain an advantage...

Liverpool managed a quick Dirk Kuyt equaliser to match Adebayor's early strike, and although they were to find themselves dominated for huge spells of the game, they left with a priceless advantage.It was a cagey start from both sides with nerves perhaps the dominant attribute - nobody wanted to concede the early goal.

However, Arsenal began to establish a passing rhythm, and with the Reds' (playing in black) defensive midfield not quite into the game just yet, they had plenty of space to exploit in the middle.Clichy and Fabregas were particularly active, but despite the positive look to their overall play, there was little end product.

At the other end Gerrard was able to beat Almunia with a rather tame cross which eventually met Hyypia, but the Finn, with plenty of time, blasted his shot to a wayward nowhere.
Eventually, though, there was to be a breakthrough. However, it came not from silky passing play, but instead a set piece.

After Van Persie won a corner off Reina, in came the ball from the Dutchman, and Emmanuel Adebayor dropped off the goalline, got in between the centre-backs, and rose unmarked to head home. A simple goal - a well-executed one, but simple - and Liverpool were in trouble.
But no sooner had the Merseysiders kicked off than they'd put the ball in the net.(*)

source: goal.com