Trilogy Part I

This was to be Arsenal's 2nd European encounter against English opponents. After the initial failure against Chelsea, this time it's Liverpool's turn in the match up. It's a test of Wenger's resolve against Liverpool's European pedigree. For every league disappointment, the Reds seems to turn up differently in the continental cup games. This is a big test for the young Gunners.

The match was cagey and was never going to be a spectacle. Both sides mostly traded blows in central midfield. Van Persie had a couple of shooting chances in and outside the box but he's still trying to recapture his pre-injury form. Flamini's range of passing has improved tremendously and was unlucky that Van Persie did not finish his exquisite lob over the defence.

When the goal finally arrived, it was off a good set piece from a corner. The Dutchman's cross was met beautifully by Adebayor who benefited from a very static Liverpool defence. But is did not last long as Gerrard cap a mazy run and cross with a deflected Kuyt goal. Liverpool had their away goal and practically shut up shop from then on.

The clearest chance for Arsenal to claim a victory was when Kuyt tugged Hleb inside the box. It was as clear a foul as any. Ironically the Dutch referee failed to see it that way. The officials should really watch videos of Hleb and realise that he never dives. It's true that the advantage could be with Arsenal's had it not been for the referee but they were also short of ideas and found it difficult to penetrate Liverpool's tight defence.

The scoreline reflects a tough second leg where the Scousers will try and defend their away goal advantage. Arsene Wenger better have something up his sleeves or face another European disappointment of what might have been.