Arshavin stunner sinks Reds

A stunning effort from Andrey Arshavin and an own goal from Glen Johnson saw Arsenal fightback to clinch a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

The Reds had been the better side in the first period and looked on course to take all three points when Dirk Kuyt gave them a deserved lead four minutes before half-time.

However, two goals in eight second-half minutes turned the game on its head and condemned Rafael Benitez's side to a sixth league defeat of the campaign.

It means Liverpool remain seventh, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and 13 off leaders Chelsea.

Ahead of the showdown, the boss made six changes from the side that lost to Fiorentina in midweek with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard starting in the same match for the first time since the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on October 4.

The reunion of one of Europe's most potent partnerships made for a vibrant atmosphere prior to kick-off and Liverpool looked the more dangerous in the early exchanges.

The Gunners rearguard seemed stretched whenever the duo combined and a lightning break on 11 minutes should have resulted in the opener, but Torres hit his shot straight at Manuel Almunia after the skipper had sent him rampaging clear.

Less than a minute later and Gerrard was brought sprawling to the ground by an ill-timed challenge from William Gallas in the penalty area, but referee Howard Webb waved away his appeals for what appeared to be a cast-iron spot-kick.

With the Anfield air still charged with howls of fury and disappointment, the away side broke forward and manufactured their first opportunity of the match.

A Cesc Fabregas free-kick found Thomas Vermaelen in the area, but the free-scoring centre back guided his header way over, leaving the hosts to breathe a heavy sigh of relief.

It was making for an enjoyable afternoon of football and a sublime move involving Gerrard and Kuyt created space for the powerhouse run of Johnson, but after some great approach play England's right-back failed to pick out Torres in the six yard box.

The former Portsmouth defender was pushing forward at every opportunity and twice saw efforts deflected to safety before Gerrard's side footer from the edge of the area was blocked by the body of Gallas.

The Gunners did enjoy a brief respite when Samir Nasri glided through the midfield and unleashed a 25 yarder that arrowed just past Pepe Reina's right-hand post. But there had been only one team in an entertaining first 45 and the Reds finally got the goal their efforts deserved on 41 minutes.

Fabio Aurelio, who was making his 100^th appearance for the club, sent a devilish free-kick into the area. Almunia flapped under pressure from Lucas Leiva, allowing Kuyt to pounce on the loose ball and stab it into an empty net.

It was the Dutchman's sixth of the campaign and saw Liverpool break a club record of scoring in their 19^th successive Barclays Premier League home match.

Up to this point Arsene Wenger's side had only shown brief glimpses of why they are regarded as one the most potent attacking forces on the planet, but after the interval they immediately looked more purposeful.

First Fabregas tested Reina at his near post with a fierce low drive before the visitors broke forward on 50 minutes and pulled level in the most fortunate of circumstances.

A neat move down the right saw Nasri race into the penalty area before cutting the ball low across the six yard box. Jamie Carragher could only hang a desperate leg at it, leaving Johnson to deflect a bizarre own goal beyond Reina.

It was particularly galling for the Spanish stopper, who must have felt he was on the verge of keeping a first clean sheet in 10 appearances against the Londoners. But it wasn't to be and before the hosts could recover they found themselves behind.

Last season Arshavin had put a huge dent in Liverpool's title hopes with a four goal salvo in a barnstorming 4-4 draw and he reproduced his Anfield heroics again on 58 minutes.

A clipped ball to the far post was miscontrolled by Johnson, allowing the Russian to seize possession and crash a thunderous shot into the top corner via the upright.

The home side were in desperate need of a lift and on 66 minutes Benitez turned to substitute Alberto Aquilani to try and boost his flailing team.

The Italian was already familiar with the Gunners having made his club debut in the Carling Cup defeat at the Emirates in October, but although he went close with a low shot from the edge of the box, the away side seemed more than comfortable at the back.

As the clock ticked down, Liverpool continued to press for the equaliser, but in truth, it never looked on the cards as Arsenal reignited their title challenge by taking all three points.