• About Us
  • Privacy Policy
Friday, February 3, 2023
Citi Sports Online
  • Home
  • News
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Local Football
  • Ghana Premier League
  • Livescores
  • Sports Panorama
  • Videos
  • World Cup
  • AFCON
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Local Football
  • Ghana Premier League
  • Livescores
  • Sports Panorama
  • Videos
  • World Cup
  • AFCON
No Result
View All Result
Citi Sports Online
No Result
View All Result

PL on Citi Throwback: The day Liverpool and Arsenal sold us a thriller

Nathan Quao by Nathan Quao
August 23, 2019
Reading Time: 4 mins read
LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 21:  during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on April 21, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 21: during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on April 21, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Whatsapp

Ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal in the 2019/2020 season at Anfield, Citi Sports editor, Nathan Quao, hops into the Citi Sports Premier League time-machine and goes back to 2009 when the two teams were engaged in a hair-raising 4-4 draw.

This Saturday, Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield for what promises to be a top clash of two of the Premier League’s biggest hitters and it will be live on Citi 97.3 FM.

Both teams have won their first two matches of the new season and the upcoming tie presents an opportunity for either side to get a win and have an advantage no matter how slight.

Last season’s 5-1 victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men was huge for Liverpool who showed just what they could if they were at their devastating best. The highlight of the day was Roberto Firmino’s run to the goal that made the score 2-1 to Liverpool. He had Arsenal players falling to his left and right as they failed to handle his brilliance.

However, all the talk of Saturday’s clash being important and potentially telling in the stories of the two teams this season requires a journey back into time to 2009 when perhaps the Premier League’s greatest showdown took place.

It was April 21, 2009 and for Liverpool, not winning against Arsenal at Anfield would constitute adding more wrapping paper and ribbons to the Premier League title and handing it to the old enemy- Manchester United.

They just could not let that happen.

But on match day, something very dramatic played out eventually.

After not having much of the ball in the first half, Arsenal finally went forward and after sequence of passes involving Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, the ball was fed to Andrey Arshavin and he thumped it home first time at the Kop end.

1-0 Arsenal after 36 minutes.

Liverpool had to find a way back into the match and save their title dreams and they did so. Fernando Torres rose to meet Dirk Kuyt’s cross and his header hit the back of the net in the 49th minute to make it 1-1.

7 minutes later, the Reds completed the turnaround when Yossi Benayoun headed in another Dirk Kuyt cross. The Israeli was injured  in the process after Bacary Sagna caught his head in a bid to clear the line. Lukasz Fabianski in Arsenal’s goal tried all he could to punch the ball away but it had already crossed the line before he sent it away.

Arsenal did not lie down and 10 minutes later, Arshavin got his second of the evenig after he robbed Alvaro Arbeloa of the ball and fired home his effort past Pepe Reina in goal for Liverpool.

In the words of the tv commentator, Jon Champion, the goal had created “another twist in the title chase.” 

It was Liverpool 2-2 now but the fun was not over.

Three minutes later, Arshavin was at it again. A botched clearance from Fabio Aurelio sent the ball straight to the Russian hitman and happily put the ball away under Reina and wheeled away in celebration displaying three fingers to mark his hat-trick that night. A hat-trick that has not been achieved by any opposing player at Anfield ever since.

But that was not the end of the story because if there is any team capable of beating the odds and fighting death, it is Liverpool and they found the gene that keeps them alive in matches in the 72nd minute through Fernando Torres.

After taking down a cross from Albert Riera in the 72nd minute, the former Atletico Madrid forward steadied himself, did a quick hesitation to buy a few seconds and he let off a shot into the net despite Fabianski’s efforts to save it.

Now, there was all to play for and the two teams were throwing everything into the mix to win the match. But Liverpool wanted it to so badly they invested more and in the process, exposed themselves to a counter-attack and Arsenal were very happy with that idea.

In the 90th minute, Theo Walcott got hold of the ball and he had acres of space down the right to run into but soon, Arshavin was seen eating up the dirt as he sprinted up the field. Walcott gave him a pass and Arshavin rifled in a left-footed past a helpless Reina. 4-3 to the Gunners and they had surely won it. Arshavin this time held up four fingers as he trotted away in sheer delight at his night’s work.

But Liverpool fought back again.

Xabi Alonso sent a cross into the penalty area. Javier Mascherano headed it towards the penalty spot. It took a slight touch of Ryan Babel and it was set up for Benayoun who stroked home in the 2nd minute of injury time.

4-4 was the score and that was how it ended.

Gripping. Exciting. Thrilling.

Those were the words used to describe the match and they were all very fair ratings.

Ultimately, the tie only helped Manchester United to clinch the league; their third in a row as they had picked up the crown in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons.

What will happen this season?

No one knows what is sure is that the match will be live on Citi 97.3 FM on Saturday August 24 at 4:30 pm as part of the station’s live and exclusive coverage of the Premier League.

 

Share34TweetSend
Previous Post

US Open draw: Serena Williams drawn to play Sharapova in first round

Next Post

‘I’m sorry I didn’t check up on Junior Agogo before his death’ – Ex-teammate Derek Boateng

Related Posts

Odartey Lamptey
Ghana Premier League

With time, things will be better- Odartey Lamptey on Ghana Premier League challenges

February 3, 2023
Black Galaxies head coach Annor Walker Photo Courtesy: CAF
Local Football

There must be a big “Dress Up” if Annor Walker stays as Black Galaxies Coach-Frank Nelson

February 3, 2023
Football

Mesut Ozil set to retire from football

February 3, 2023
Hearts Board Member Frank Nelson Nwokolo
Ghana Premier League

Returning Black Galaxies players will affect Hearts of Oak positively-Frank Nelson

February 3, 2023
Premier League

Gabriel Martinelli signs long-term Arsenal contract extension

February 3, 2023
Donkomi

#Donkomi: Nottingham Forest sign free agent Ayew until end of the season

February 3, 2023
Football

GPL: Karela end Kotoko’s six-game unbeaten streak

February 2, 2023
Black Stars

I like Mohammed Kudus playing at Ajax; it’s easy for him to grow there- Odartey Lamptey

February 2, 2023
Load More
Next Post

'I'm sorry I didn't check up on Junior Agogo before his death' - Ex-teammate Derek Boateng

Top Stories

GFA’s Director of Competitions passes on

Ex-GFA Chairman, Alhaji Jawula passes on at age 74

Imoro Ibrahim: A victim of CHAN’s problematic eligibility criteria

Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of seven of nine charges

RSS Citi Podcasts

  • Citi Business Edition, Friday 3rd February, 2023 February 3, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Citi Breakfast Show, Friday, 3rd February, 2023 February 3, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Auto Show, Thursday, 2nd February, 2023 February 2, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Sister Sister, Thursday 2nd February, 2023 February 2, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Eyewitness News, Thursday, 2nd February, 2023 February 2, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Citi Breakfast Show, Thursday, 2nd February, 2023 February 2, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Eyewitness News, Wednesday, 1st February, 2023 February 1, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Citi Breakfast Show, Wednesday, 1st February, 2023 February 1, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Transfer Deadline Day Donkomi, Tuesday, 31st January, 2023 February 1, 2023 Citi97.3
  • Citi Trends, Tuesday, 31st January, 2023 January 31, 2023 Citi97.3
Citi Sports Online

© 2019 Citi Sports Online

  • Home
  • News
  • Football
  • Ghana Premier League
  • Livescores
  • Sports Panorama
  • Videos
  • World Cup
  • AFCON

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Local Football
  • Ghana Premier League
  • Livescores
  • Sports Panorama
  • Videos
  • World Cup
  • AFCON

© 2019 Citi Sports Online

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Citi Sports Cookie Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT