Russian international Andrei Arshavin was all shine in the Arsenal-Liverpool clash in Premier League action Tuesday night at Anfield Road. The Russian Gunner had the first-ever four goals in a single match for a Russian playing abroad, even though the Gunners let the victory slip away in injury time: Liverpool clinched the draw 3 minutes into injury time with a header from Yossi Benayoun. The Reds are now temporarily in first place in the standings, with Manchester United set to host Portsmouth tonight.
Arshavin’s exploit was crucial for him as a player and…for Liverpool: the Reds have not conceded four goals from a single player in five years! (Only Denis Westcott scored four goals at Anfield way back in 1946).
Despite the Reds' current first place in the standings, Arshavin could well turn out to be the one who denied Liverpool the Premier League title this season. Manchester United, who host Portsmouth tonight, would most likely return themselves the first place, while still having two games at hand; a potential 6 points!
Arshavin’s goals were more valuable considering the fact that the game gave no sign at the beginning of Arsenal being able to withstand the pressure applied on them by Rafa Benitez’s side. The reds controlled the initiative from the get-go, before the Russian international surprisingly opened the scored at the 38th minute. The Reds leveled early into the second half and were up 2:1 four minutes later.
But the Russian continued his fantastic ride, scoring another two goals at the 66th and 69th minutes. Spain striker Fernando Torres again leveled the game, only for Arshavin to score his fourth of the night at the last minute. Yossi Benayoun then had the equalizer three minutes into injury time, giving Liverpool a draw in a disappointing evening for the Reds.
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