Arsenal-Liverpool 1-1 Draw to Open Season

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina (uploaded by Nigel Wilson on flickr)

The premier match up in the Premier League this weekend was Arsenal vs. Liverpool today. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with each team playing with ten men when the game finished. It was an exciting game, and both teams will be pleased to gain a point from their opening game.

Arsenal dominated possession in the first 45, passing the ball around with fluidity. They were not able to get many scoring chances. Liverpool's new signing Joe Cole got a straight red card in the 45th minute. Cole slid in late on Arsenal center back Laurent Koscielny. It was a play that could have seriously injured Koscielny, who was carried off on a stretcher. He did return in the second half

Going down to men on the pitch seemed to help Liverpool get their play going in the second half. In the 46th minute, David Ngog broke away from the defenders and blasted a shot past Manuel Almunia. Great strike from Ngog into the top netting, but the goal was caused by an Arsenal mistake. Young English midfielder Jack Wilshere made a bad pass deep in the defensive zone, and that lead to Ngog's goal.

Arsenal, a man up, struggled to tie the game up until their 90th minute goal. Tomas Rosicky, who came in as a sub, hit a great ball right on the edge of the penalty area. Pepe Reina made a great save on that one, which drew the cheers of the fans at Anfield. Only a few minutes later, those same fans would be jeering Reina mercilessly.

Arsenal's equalizer came on an own goal by the keeper Reina in the 90th minute. An Arsenal cross came in, which was misplayed by Reina. Then the Gunners new striker Marouane Chamakh hit the post. The ball deflected right back to Reina, who fumbled the ball into the net. It was a tragic moment for Liverpool, but a relieving one for Arsenal.

Ironically, Laurent Kocsielny picked up a second yellow and subsequent red in extra time. Liverpool had one last shot to make the home fans happy in extra time. A laser of a free kick by Frank Lampard was pushed away by Alumnia.

Both team will be somewhat pleased with the results. A point is a point, and you don't want to go into the second week with no points. Arsenal performed alright, escpecially considering some of their top players started the game on the bench. The young guys did well.

Liverpool will be disappointed they could not hold onto the win, but they have to be happy about how they played once they went a man down. Overall, a controversial and mistake filled game. Exactly what you would expect in a opening game.