Reds edge Arsenal in six-goal thriller
Liverpool FC stormed into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four years after a stunning finish to the game brought three goals in eight minutes and a disappointing end to Arsenal FC’s campaign.
Frenetic pace Liverpool looked on course for victory as goals from Sami Hyypiä and Fernando Torres, wiping out Abou Diaby’s 13th-minute opener, left them leading going into the final minutes. Emmanuel Adebayor turned the tie on its head with six minutes remaining after a sensational run from Theo Walcott, but Arsenal’s away-goal advantage was fleeting as Steven Gerrard converted a penalty moments later before Ryan Babel completed the scoring in added time.
Diaby strike It left the home support in raptures, yet they had been quietened early on as the visitors began positively following the 1-1 first-leg draw in London. Adebayor appeared particularly threatening and Arsenal’s attacking approach was richly rewarded when Diaby broke down the inside right channel, collected Aleksandr Hleb’s pass and fired low towards Pepe Reina’s near post. The goalkeeper seemed to have it covered but the ball cannoned off his knee and into the net.
Delayed reaction Stunned by their dream start, Arsenal’s fans at the opposite end did not immediately realise their side had moved ahead on aggregate, but that soon changed and they had more to shout about in the opening half-hour. The home team, marginal favourites at kick-off, looked anything but. Nervy and unable to retain possession, Reina came close to spilling a dangerous Gaël Clichy cross, his travails exemplifying Liverpool’s struggle to settle.
I really hope Liverpool knock out Chelsea just so Avram Grant gets the sack. Chelseas become boring since his arrival.
