Liverpool Fail to Exploit Arsenal's High Back Line

This was a compelling match, unfortunately disrupted by the injury at half-time to Arsenal's cultured playmaker Cesc Fábregas which ruined Arsenal's rhythm. Arsène Wenger responded by bringing in Denilson from the touchline to partner the ineffective Alexandre Song and it was backs to the wall for Arsenal as Liverpool continued with their swift one-touch passing. The visitors still failed to threaten consistently, however, as they tended to over elaborate near the box as they monopolized possession in the first part of the second half.

The one option they utilized with regular success was available to them whenever Arsenal went forward. The default Liverpool through-ball sliced behind Arsenal's defensive line and was a constant threat. Not that Johan Djourou or William Gallas lack pace — that's why they are confident of pushing out and holding a tight line. But it is a risky ploy and needs consistent work.

If you play such a high line you must pressure the ball and not let an opponent get his head up and pick a pass. As a last-line defender, you must have your immediate opponent in your vision as well as the ball at all times. Here Liverpool often sprang free on several occasions.

Arsenal still need a Tony Adams-type leader who would be guiding his back four by knowledge, effort and volume, knowing when to press then dropping off attackers to make them think about their forward movement.

Early on Robbie Keane set up Steven Gerrard and later Dirk Kuyt got in too before Keane scored from a similar deep pass. The way Arsenal played, Manuel Almunia had to be the sweeper.

Robin Van Persie's magnificent movement and finish to dispatch Samir Nasri's long pass was a rare lapse for Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger as the Dutchman glided between them.Keane's run and half-volley smash from a Liverpool long delivery was almost as brilliant but it had been on the cards.

Although Keane was playing the lone striker role, he and Gerrard, from a shade deeper, continually looked to run into the space behind Djourou and Gallas. Liverpool failed to seize the initiative when Emmanuel Adebayor was unluckily sent off. The visitors should be sitting a further two points clear this morning which would have been the ideal tonic for the absent Rafa Benítez but they lacked ambition and, although Arsenal staggered through the late stages, Liverpool's threat disappeared with their substitutions.

For Liverpool Carragher was splendid throughout but they should regret not switching to four front players to exploit their advantage.