Diaby puts Gunners back in title race
Boss Wenger’s delight as all the results go Arsenal’s way on dramatic night for the top four
Published: 11 February 2010
by STEVE BARNETT
PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal 1, Liverpool
ARSENE Wenger insisted that the title race was still “wide open” after watching his side beat Liverpool last night (Wednesday).
The winner came in the 72nd minute when substitute Tomas Rosicky crossed for Abou Diaby to head home from close range.
Afterwards Wenger said: “I don’t see any mathematical reason why we can’t win the title. We will fight until the end of the season, but first let’s be consistant and just try to win our next game.”
The famous “1-0 to the Arsenal” chant has rarely been greeted with such nervousness by the home supporters, who were so desperately in need of a lift. It was a victory reinforced by Manchester United being held to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and Chelsea losing 2-1 at Everton.
The Gunners’ win over Liverpool came drenched in heart-stopping moments. Maxi Rodriguez appealed for a penalty in the first half when his shot appeared to hit Thomas Vermaelen on the arm. Early in the second half supporters had their hearts in their mouths again when a counter-attack ended with William Gallas sliding in to superbly deny David Ngog.
Arsenal’s overall performance summed up their current run of form. The desire to push forward and force a breakthrough was clear to see, but the cutting edge needed in such a make-or-break game was desperately missing.
The few half chances that did come along were duly squandered. Gallas headed a Cesc Fabregas free-kick over the bar, while Nicklas Bendtner wasted the few promising chances that came his way.
In the end Diaby’s header proved enough to win it.