Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal

LIVERPOOL slipped to their sixth Premier League defeat of the season as they were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at Anfield.

The Reds dominated the opening 45 minutes and deservedly took the lead when Dirk Kuyt fired home from close range.

However, they slumped dramatically after the break and conceded twice in the space of eight minutes.

Glen Johnson's own goal put the Gunners back on level terms and Andre Arshavin's stunning strike settled it.

It was the Reds' second successive home reverse following their European defeat at the hands of Fiorentina and dented their hopes of a top-four finish.

Liverpool's afternoon had started brightly as they were boosted by the return of Fernando Torres to the starting line up. It was the first time he had started alongside skipper Steven Gerrard since the defeat at Chelsea way back on October 4.

The pair linked up expertly to carve Arsenal open in the 12^th minute.

Gerrard burst on to Torres' lay off and then picked out the Spaniard in the box. Torres looked destined to score but his shot was weak and Manuel Almunia was able to make a comfortable save.

Sixty seconds later Liverpool were controversially denied a spot-kick. Gerrard went down under William Gallas' crude challenge but to the fury of the home fans Howard Webb waved play on.

Liverpool continued to dominate but failed to make it count. Midway through the first half Gerrard's free-kick was desperately punched clear by Almunia and then Glen Johnson's shot was deflected behind.

Just before the half hour mark the Gunners were caught out by a quick throw from Johnson. Kuyt pulled the ball back for Gerrard but the skipper's effort was blocked and the chance went begging.

Pepe Reina had been largely a spectator but he was finally called into action on 35 minutes to keep out Denilson's long range effort.

The goal Liverpool deserved finally arrived four minutes before the interval.

Almunia could only parry Fabio Aurelio's curling free-kick and Kuyt controlled before hammering in the rebound.

Arsenal improved in the second half and within five minutes they were level.

The Reds failed to deal with Samir Nasri's cross from the right flank and Johnson inadvertently diverted the ball past his own keeper.

Liverpool's afternoon soon worsened as in the 58^th minute the Gunners struck again.

Arshavin latched on to a cross from Cesc Fabregas and from the edge of the box unleashed a stunning strike which flew in off the inside of the post.

The hosts responded and three minutes later Torres' header flew narrowly wide.

Alberto Aquilani replaced Javier Mascherano with 25 minutes to go as Liverpool pressed forward in search of an equaliser.

They were almost caught out on the counter attack but Arshavin's fierce shot was straight at Reina.

With 11 minutes to go when rookie striker David Ngog came on for Yossi Benayoun and a third change swiftly followed with Johnson making way for Philipp Degen.

However, the Reds lost their way late on and rarely threatened to claim a point.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson (Degen 82), Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano (Aquilani 65), Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun (Ngog 79), Torres.

Subs: Cavalieri, Insua, Skrtel, Dossena.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore (Silvestre 87), Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Walcott (Diaby 70), Arshavin (Ramsey 90), Nasri.

Subs: Fabianski, Eduardo, Vela, Wilshere.

Referee: Howard Webb

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