On April 21, 2009, Liverpool and Arsenal treated us to one of the most entertaining games in Premier League history at Anfield.
Liverpool, battling Manchester United for the Premier League title, needed a win to go above their fierce rivals, while Arsenal were down in fourth, with a comfortable seven-point cushion above Aston Villa behind them.
The 2008-09 campaign was Liverpool at their best under Rafa Benitez. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres’ telepathic understanding was at its most frightening, while a central block of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso possessed both grace and guile.
However, the hosts were without Gerrard due to injury, meaning Albert Riera came into the side, while Arsenal had Robin van Persie unavailable. Lukasz Fabianski, Mikael Silvestre, Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner all started for the Gunners.
Liverpool didn’t win the league and Arsenal finished fourth. But football isn’t always about results. It’s about being made to feel thrilled and exhilarated and disappointed and exhausted all at once.
There have been few greater examples than Anfield on April 21, 2009.
On April 21, 2009, Liverpool and Arsenal treated us to one of the most entertaining games in Premier League history at Anfield.
Liverpool, battling Manchester United for the Premier League title, needed a win to go above their fierce rivals, while Arsenal were down in fourth, with a comfortable seven-point cushion above Aston Villa behind them.
The 2008-09 campaign was Liverpool at their best under Rafa Benitez. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres’ telepathic understanding was at its most frightening, while a central block of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso possessed both grace and guile.
However, the hosts were without Gerrard due to injury, meaning Albert Riera came into the side, while Arsenal had Robin van Persie unavailable. Lukasz Fabianski, Mikael Silvestre, Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner all started for the Gunners.
Liverpool didn’t win the league and Arsenal finished fourth. But football isn’t always about results. It’s about being made to feel thrilled and exhilarated and disappointed and exhausted all at once.
There have been few greater examples than Anfield on April 21, 2009.