Liverpool against Arsenal

Hamann breaks up an Arsenal attack and tries to go himself through the Arsenal midfield, but the visitors win back the ball and start another break, only for van Persie to overhit his through ball to Henry.

This match now looks like ending in a draw with five minutes to go plus injury time.

And equally amazing is the stat that Liverpool have not got one over on the Gunners since the 2001 FA Cup final.

Amazingly, Vieira has never won at Anfield during his time in England, and it looks like that record will be extended today.

Arsenal almost score a second brilliant team goal through Henry after a swift exchange of passes between Pires and van Persie, but the ball just wont't sit down for the Frenchman and Hyppia clears the ball.

Just a few free kicks are disrupting the flow of the match at the moment, as van Persie brings down Alonso on halfway.

Henry loses possession close to the Liverpool box to Alonso and in his disappointment, he rashly tackles the Spain international and is booked for his troubles.

Henry attempts an outrageous shot from the halfway line with Kirkland off his line and it floats only just off target.

Kewell has a chance to put in a dangerous left-wing centre, but not for the first time this afternoon, his delivery is poor and Lehmann claims.

One gets the feeling that there is still another goal left is this match.

Liverpool almost retake the lead through their inspirational skipper Gerrard after good closing down by first Mellor and then Nunez, but when the ball breaks to the England man, Lehmann does well to parry his rasping drive from the edge of the box.

Arsenal are looking remarkably fit considering they had a day less to recover than Liverpool and had to play with nine men against PSV on Wednesday.

The game is now end to end, with both sides looking for the three points.

Gerrard, from the left, plays a short corner with Kewell, but it comes to nothing and Arsenal clear their lines.

Now Gerrard goes on a mazy run into the Arsenal box, twisting and turning his way past three men, but his cross is blocked by Vieira for a corner.

A great, curling centre from Gerrard tests the defensive capabilities of Toure to the full, but the defender does well to intercept with Mellor lurking right behind.

Vieira is very lucky to still be on the pitch, as after winning his side back possession, he blatantly takes a dive, which the referee sees, but decides not to take any action.

Mellor has done well to win his side a pressure-relieving free kick.

Liverpool are about to make a change themselves, with Antonio Nunez set to make his debut for the club, replacing the hobbling Sinama-Pongolle.

But, having played about 15 passes, Henry carelessly chips the ball straight into the hands of Kirkland.

It is all Arsenal at the moment and they are just toying with the home side and playing so much better than in the first half.

First change of the match is to be made by Arsenal, who replace Jose Antonio Reyes, who is replaced by Robin Van Persie.

Gerrard charges down Toure's attempted clearance and is almost clean through on goal, but the Ivory Coast international does well to make up for his orginal mistake and wins back possession.

Sinama-Pongolle has gone down injured and is really struggling for the Reds.

Arsenal look far more dangerous in this second half and are now going for the win.

Liverpool break forward through Gerrard, who finds Mellor running clear down the left channel, and his pull-back is then hit over the bar by Alonso.

Yellow card for Vieira, who consequently will miss the crucial league game with Chelsea in a fortnight's time.

And now it is the champions who are pushing forward and looking for a second.

Liverpool, and their fans, are stunned by that strike.

GOAL! Arsenal equalise with their first shot on goal of the match, but what a goal, a real team effort involving Hentry and Pires, whose through ball finds Vieira and the captain executes a perfect, chipped finnish over Kirkland.

Liverpool are really playing a highly-effective pressing game in the opening exchanges of this second period.

But it is a disappointing one, again floated to the edge of the area, but easily intercepted by Toure.

Riise has won his side a left-wing corner off Lunjberg, to be taken by skipper Gerrard.

Surely the visitors will test Kirkland in this second half.

The Reds have begun this second period like they finished the first, on top.

Liverpool have won back possession through Gerrard, who did brilliantly to put pressure on Toure and win a throw-in, level with the Gunners' penalty box.

Gerard Houllier is here at Anfield this afternoon working for French TV and will no doubt be impressed with what he is seeing at present.

Immediately Arsenal have looked more threatening in the opening minutes of the second half than the were throughout the whole of the first period.

Pires tries to release Henry down the left flank, only for Finnan to intercept for a throw-in.

Liverpool will no doubt be looking just to keep it tight for the first 15 minutes of this second half.

Liverpool kick off this second period, leading 1-0 and now attacking their beloved Kop end.

And almost immediately Mr. Wiley blows up to bring to an end what has been a very entertaining first period, which Liverpool lead 1-0 and the champions remarkably have not even had a shot on goal during the first 45 minutes. HALF-TIME.

The fourth official has indicated that there will be just the one minute of time to be added on at the end of this first half.

Lauren tries to catch Kirkland with a long-range curler that only just misses the far post.

Now, with half-time approaching, Liverpool just need to keep it tight for three more minutes plus stoppage time.

That strike has sent the Kop into delirium and it is a fully deserved goal on the balance of play.

GOAL! Liverpool take a deserved lead through Spain international Alonso after great build-up play between Hamann, Finnan, Kewell and Gerrard, whose neat pass gives Alonso the chance to riffle a shot past Lehmann from the edge of the box.

Still Liverpool come forward, looking to get what would be a vital goal before the half-time.

Liverpool really must be more clinical with their set pieces if they are to get anything out of this game.

But, not for the first time this afternoon, Alonso's delivery is off beam and it drifts straight out of play for a goal kick.

Another free kick won by Alonso after a tackle from behind by the backtracking Vieira and Liverpool have a chance to threaten.

Now Arsenal break on a counter-attack from Cole, but with Ljungberg unmarked in the middle, the England left-back's centre is gratefully plucked out of the air by Kirkland.

A good chance is wasted by Hyppia, who meets the outswinging corner, but heads over the bar under pressure from the penalty spot.

Sinama-Pongolle has done well to pressurise Cole into giving away a right-wing corner, again to be taken by Alonso.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be more than happy with how his patched-up team are playing in this first half hour.

Liverpool pour forward again through Finnan on the right and his deep cross to the back post picks out Kewell, whose header is well saved by Lehmann. Liverpool's best moment of the game so far.

But, having seen the replays, again Liverpool appear to have been hard done by as Mellor was being played on by Ashley Cole.

Liverpool break up an Arsenal attack through Riise, who then slips a great ball through for Mellor, whose shot crashed back off the crossbar, but the linesman's flag is up.

Kewell is really struggling in all facets of his game at this moment of time.

But, immediately the Sweden international jumps to his feet and the Reds are forced to give possession straight back to the visitors, much to the home faithfuls disgust.

Freddie Ljungberg is tackled late in midfield and has gone down injured, so Finnan sportingly kicks the ball out of play.

Kewell tries to take on the Arsenal back four, but miscontrols to the obvious groans of the crowd.

Liverpool have picked up the pace of play these past five minutes and are starting to dominate proceedings.

A well-taken set piece by Liverpool is driven to the edge of the box where the onrushing Dietmar Hamann smashes it into a pack of players.

But Gerrards effort is deflected off the wall for a left-wing corner, to be taken by Alonso.

Free kick to Liverpool in a dangerous position after a foul on Kewell by Vieira, in a central position, 30 yards out.

The crowd are now a little less vocal than they were at the start.

Now Mellor gives away a free kick on halfway for a tackle from behind on Campbell.

Steve Finnan breaks up an Arsenal attack and marauds forward into the Gunners half, but his through ball to Mellor does not give the front man a chance and Arsenal clear.

Long ball by Sol Campbell out of defence drifts out of play for a Liverpool throw-in.

A few stray passes in midfield, this time by Cesc Fabregas, are making this a poor contest so far, with neither team on top.

Vieira then tries to make up for that error by chipping a through ball to the onrushing Henry, but it is just overhit and Chris Kirkland collects for his first touch of the match.

And, Patrick Vieira immediately passes straight to Alonso, who tries to catch Lens Jehmann out with an early shot that drifts harmlessly wide.

Both sides are having great trouble trying to keep hold of the ball for more than a few passes at the moment - a very scrappy period of play.

Free kick to Liverpool midway inside their own half, but again possession is wasted by the Reds and Arsenal clear their lines.

The Gunners appear to have weathered that early storm and are starting to get the ball down and play it about with confidence.

There is a fantastic atmosphere here at Anfield, with the home fans giving their side great support.

It is to be taken by Thierry Henry from wide on the right, level with the Liverpool penalty area, however it is disappointing and hits the two-man wall and Liverpool clear their lines.

Now Arsenal win a free kick after a pull on the shirt of Robert Pires by the retreating John Arne Riise.

Having seen the replays, the man in the middle appears to have made the wrong decision - a clear trip on the England international.

Huge claims for a penalty by the Reds after a marauding run into the box by Gerrard aND a trip by Toure, but referee Alan Wiley waves away the appeals.

But, it is overhit to the back post looking for Sami Hyypia and it goes out for a goalkick.

Early left-wing corner for Liverpool, to be taken by their skipper Steven Gerrard, who is playing his first Premiership match at home for two months.

Sinama-Pongolle appears to be playing right midfield, with Kewell on the left, supporting lone striker Neil Mellor.

Arsenal kick off the match, attacking the Kop end.

The teams news is that Liverpool have made three changes from the side that lost 1-0 at Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, bringing in Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Harry Kewell and Xabi Alonso for the injured Luis Garcia and Josemi, while Igor Biscan is dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, Arsenal have kept the same team that drew 1-1 at PSV Eindhoven in Europe on Wednesday.

Welcome to Anfield for this afternoon's fascinating encounter between injury-plagued Liverpool, in eighth and the champions Arsenal, who currently lie five points behind top-of-the-table Chelsea.

Join us live at 16.05 as Arsenal look for a much needed win to keep pace with league leaders Chelsea.

A great, curling centre from Gerrard tests the defensive capabilities of Toure to the full, but the defender does well to intercept with Mellor lurking right behind.

Vieira is very lucky to still be on the pitch, as after winning his side back possession, he blatantly takes a dive, which the referee sees, but decides not to take any action.

Mellor has done well to win his side a pressure-relieving free kick.

Liverpool are about to make a change themselves, with Antonio Nunez set to make his debut for the club, replacing the hobbling Sinama-Pongolle.

But, having played about 15 passes, Henry carelessly chips the ball straight into the hands of Kirkland.

It is all Arsenal at the moment and they are just toying with the home side and playing so much better than in the first half.

First change of the match is to be made by Arsenal, who replace Jose Antonio Reyes, who is replaced by Robin Van Persie.

Gerrard charges down Toure's attempted clearance and is almost clean through on goal, but the Ivory Coast international does well to make up for his orginal mistake and wins back possession.

Sinama-Pongolle has gone down injured and is really struggling for the Reds.

Arsenal look far more dangerous in this second half and are now going for the win.

Liverpool break forward through Gerrard, who finds Mellor running clear down the left channel, and his pull-back is then hit over the bar by Alonso.

Yellow card for Vieira, who consequently will miss the crucial league game with Chelsea in a fortnight's time.

And now it is the champions who are pushing forward and looking for a second.

Liverpool, and their fans, are stunned by that strike.

GOAL! Arsenal equalise with their first shot on goal of the match, but what a goal, a real team effort involving Hentry and Pires, whose through ball finds Vieira and the captain executes a perfect, chipped finnish over Kirkland.

Liverpool are really playing a highly-effective pressing game in the opening exchanges of this second period.

But it is a disappointing one, again floated to the edge of the area, but easily intercepted by Toure.

Riise has won his side a left-wing corner off Lunjberg, to be taken by skipper Gerrard.

Surely the visitors will test Kirkland in this second half.

The Reds have begun this second period like they finished the first, on top.

Liverpool have won back possession through Gerrard, who did brilliantly to put pressure on Toure and win a throw-in, level with the Gunners' penalty box.

Gerard Houllier is here at Anfield this afternoon working for French TV and will no doubt be impressed with what he is seeing at present.

Immediately Arsenal have looked more threatening in the opening minutes of the second half than the were throughout the whole of the first period.

Pires tries to release Henry down the left flank, only for Finnan to intercept for a throw-in.

Liverpool will no doubt be looking just to keep it tight for the first 15 minutes of this second half.

Liverpool kick off this second period, leading 1-0 and now attacking their beloved Kop end.

And almost immediately Mr. Wiley blows up to bring to an end what has been a very entertaining first period, which Liverpool lead 1-0 and the champions remarkably have not even had a shot on goal during the first 45 minutes. HALF-TIME.

The fourth official has indicated that there will be just the one minute of time to be added on at the end of this first half.

Lauren tries to catch Kirkland with a long-range curler that only just misses the far post.

Now, with half-time approaching, Liverpool just need to keep it tight for three more minutes plus stoppage time.

That strike has sent the Kop into delirium and it is a fully deserved goal on the balance of play.

GOAL! Liverpool take a deserved lead through Spain international Alonso after great build-up play between Hamann, Finnan, Kewell and Gerrard, whose neat pass gives Alonso the chance to riffle a shot past Lehmann from the edge of the box.

Still Liverpool come forward, looking to get what would be a vital goal before the half-time.

Liverpool really must be more clinical with their set pieces if they are to get anything out of this game.

But, not for the first time this afternoon, Alonso's delivery is off beam and it drifts straight out of play for a goal kick.

Another free kick won by Alonso after a tackle from behind by the backtracking Vieira and Liverpool have a chance to threaten.

Now Arsenal break on a counter-attack from Cole, but with Ljungberg unmarked in the middle, the England left-back's centre is gratefully plucked out of the air by Kirkland.

A good chance is wasted by Hyppia, who meets the outswinging corner, but heads over the bar under pressure from the penalty spot.

Sinama-Pongolle has done well to pressurise Cole into giving away a right-wing corner, again to be taken by Alonso.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be more than happy with how his patched-up team are playing in this first half hour.

Liverpool pour forward again through Finnan on the right and his deep cross to the back post picks out Kewell, whose header is well saved by Lehmann. Liverpool's best moment of the game so far.

But, having seen the replays, again Liverpool appear to have been hard done by as Mellor was being played on by Ashley Cole.

Liverpool break up an Arsenal attack through Riise, who then slips a great ball through for Mellor, whose shot crashed back off the crossbar, but the linesman's flag is up.

Kewell is really struggling in all facets of his game at this moment of time.

But, immediately the Sweden international jumps to his feet and the Reds are forced to give possession straight back to the visitors, much to the home faithfuls disgust.

Freddie Ljungberg is tackled late in midfield and has gone down injured, so Finnan sportingly kicks the ball out of play.

Kewell tries to take on the Arsenal back four, but miscontrols to the obvious groans of the crowd.

Liverpool have picked up the pace of play these past five minutes and are starting to dominate proceedings.

A well-taken set piece by Liverpool is driven to the edge of the box where the onrushing Dietmar Hamann smashes it into a pack of players.

But Gerrards effort is deflected off the wall for a left-wing corner, to be taken by Alonso.

Free kick to Liverpool in a dangerous position after a foul on Kewell by Vieira, in a central position, 30 yards out.

The crowd are now a little less vocal than they were at the start.

Now Mellor gives away a free kick on halfway for a tackle from behind on Campbell.

Steve Finnan breaks up an Arsenal attack and marauds forward into the Gunners half, but his through ball to Mellor does not give the front man a chance and Arsenal clear.

Long ball by Sol Campbell out of defence drifts out of play for a Liverpool throw-in.

A few stray passes in midfield, this time by Cesc Fabregas, are making this a poor contest so far, with neither team on top.

Vieira then tries to make up for that error by chipping a through ball to the onrushing Henry, but it is just overhit and Chris Kirkland collects for his first touch of the match.

And, Patrick Vieira immediately passes straight to Alonso, who tries to catch Lens Jehmann out with an early shot that drifts harmlessly wide.

Both sides are having great trouble trying to keep hold of the ball for more than a few passes at the moment - a very scrappy period of play.

Free kick to Liverpool midway inside their own half, but again possession is wasted by the Reds and Arsenal clear their lines.

The Gunners appear to have weathered that early storm and are starting to get the ball down and play it about with confidence.

There is a fantastic atmosphere here at Anfield, with the home fans giving their side great support.

It is to be taken by Thierry Henry from wide on the right, level with the Liverpool penalty area, however it is disappointing and hits the two-man wall and Liverpool clear their lines.

Now Arsenal win a free kick after a pull on the shirt of Robert Pires by the retreating John Arne Riise.

Having seen the replays, the man in the middle appears to have made the wrong decision - a clear trip on the England international.

Huge claims for a penalty by the Reds after a marauding run into the box by Gerrard aND a trip by Toure, but referee Alan Wiley waves away the appeals.

But, it is overhit to the back post looking for Sami Hyypia and it goes out for a goalkick.

Early left-wing corner for Liverpool, to be taken by their skipper Steven Gerrard, who is playing his first Premiership match at home for two months.

Sinama-Pongolle appears to be playing right midfield, with Kewell on the left, supporting lone striker Neil Mellor.

Arsenal kick off the match, attacking the Kop end.

The teams news is that Liverpool have made three changes from the side that lost 1-0 at Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, bringing in Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Harry Kewell and Xabi Alonso for the injured Luis Garcia and Josemi, while Igor Biscan is dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, Arsenal have kept the same team that drew 1-1 at PSV Eindhoven in Europe on Wednesday.

Welcome to Anfield for this afternoon's fascinating encounter between injury-plagued Liverpool, in eighth and the champions Arsenal, who currently lie five points behind top-of-the-table Chelsea.

Join us live at 16.05 as Arsenal look for a much needed win to keep pace with league leaders Chelsea.