Liverpool burst into the semi-finals of
the UEFA Champions League as Rafa Benitez's side claimed a 4-2
second-leg success over Arsenal in a dramatic encounter at
Anfield.
A fascinating fixture - the third of the recent trilogy - ended
5-3 on aggregate after last week's first leg at The Emirates ended
in a 1-1 draw.
Abou Diaby handed The Gunners a dream start on 13 minutes when
he fired past Jose Reina; but Sami Hyypia's thumping header drew
the sides level.
The free-scoring Fernando Torres then struck a classy second for
the home side as The Reds appeared to be heading for the final
four.
However, Theo Walcott's sensational solo run saw him assist
Emmanuel Adebayor, who tapped home to swing the tie back in
Arsenal's favour on away goals.
The drama continued to unfold, and Benitez's men made it 3-2
just two minutes later as Steven Gerrard dispatched from the
penalty spot after Kolo Toure felled Ryan Babel, before the
Dutchman wrapped up the success in injury-time.
The Gunners started in sensational style, displaying blistering
pace, strength in the tackle and sublime passing skills. Liverpool
were stretched every way possible.
Alexander Hleb, in a central role supporting Adebayor, was a
constant danger and they were ahead in the 13th minute.
Anfield was stunned into silence as Hleb threaded a ball down
the right for Abou Diaby to surge into the box before crashing home
a shot between Jose Reina and his near post.
For 30 minutes Arsenal had been impressive and Liverpool
struggled against Arsene Wenger's men.
However, they equalised through veteran Hyypia. The 34-year-old,
with a newly-signed contract this week, produced a towering header
from Gerrard's corner that crashed into the net on the half-hour
off Manuel Almunia's post.
Liverpool were buoyed by their leveller and Gerrard flashed a
30-yard shot wide.
Then Arsenal suffered the blow of Mathieu Flamini being carried
off after looking to have fallen awkwardly on an ankle. Gilberto
came on after 40 minutes. By now Liverpool looked a changed side;
steaming forward, their confidence restored.
Fabio Aurelio's shot was deflected agonisingly wide by Crouch,
Torres having provided the cross.
It was the Spain striker, quiet up to that point, who forced
Liverpool ahead. Crouch's flick-on reached the Liverpool goal
machine in the box, he turned Senderos with ease before firing his
shot into the top corner.
Wenger responded by replacing Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue with
Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott, knowing another Arsenal goal
would put them through.
Adebayor then missed when clean through before Babel came on for
Crouch, who left the field to a standing ovation.
Liverpool switched back to their preferred system, with Gerrard
working behind Torres while two holding players protected the
midfield.
But with Liverpool on the attack, Arsenal caught them cold on
the break. Walcott embarked on an amazing run from his own half
before pulling the ball back for Adebayor to drill in the equaliser
after 83 minutes.
However, The Reds rallied. Straight from the restart, Babel
surged into the box and was brought down by Kolo Toure.
Swedish referee Peter Frojdfeldt pointed to the spot, and with
the Kop in hushed agony, Gerrard drove the penalty high into the
net.
John Arne Riise came on for Torres, Liverpool desperate for the
end now. Another Gunners goal would again see them through.
But with Arsenal up in numbers in Liverpool's box for a
free-kick, the ball broke from the mass of players to be belted
forward for Babel to outpace Fabregas to gloriously drive home the
fourth.
Alvaro Arbeloa came on for a shattered Kuyt, and there was
nothing left now from Wenger's men as Anfield celebrated.
