Liverpool FC grabbed their first victory of the season and also at Emirates Stadium with a two goal margin in a late burst to life against a weakened Arsenal side. An unfortunate Ramsey own-goal and a late Suarez goal gave Liverpool a victory against 10 man Arsenal. Arsenal were without the suspended Gervinho and Alex Song, and departure of Cesc Fabregas also added to their woes. Youngster Frimpong was sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow card.

Luis Suarez – Liverpool overcome Arsenal

In a surprising move, want away Frenchman Samir Nasri was announced to be in the starting line-up, amongst rumours that talks with Manchester City had broken down. Liverpool made two changes to their starting eleven. Kuyt was called in to replace the not yet fully fit Luis Suarez and Martin Kelly was chosen over another youngster Flanagan.

After a tentative start from both sides, a few half chances were created, but nothing concrete came. Arsenal’s Koscielny limped off in the 16th minute off an injury, deepening Arsene Wenger’s sorrows. Andy Carroll had the best chance of the first half, sending a powerful header which was quite well saved by new No. 1 Szczesny. Nasri looked lively for the Gunners, just firing wide after a wonderful run from his own territory. Lucas lived up to his expectations, keeping a lid on Nasri at most times.

The teams went in level at the half time, and Liverpool looked more dangerous. The equation changed after the half and Arsenal looked threatening. Martin Kelly, who showed lot of promise and talent, shot one onto the side post. Robin van Persie, named the captain, forced a save off Reina, who did well to keep the shot out.

But a second yellow for Frimpong for a studs up challenge against Lucas (he was booked earlier for not allowing Henderson to take a quick throw) meant that Arsenal now were fighting for only one point. A double substitution by Kenny Dalglish proved to be the master stroke. Kuyt and Carroll were taken off to bring on Meireles and Suarez, and the two substitutes were involved in both goals.

In the 79th minute, Suarez and Meireles combined well and Meireles tried to set up Suarez, but was blocked off by Miquel, whose clearance hit Ramsey in the face and bounced over Szczesny into the goal. And in stoppage time, Meireles was found free by Lucas in the Arsenal box and the Portuguese selflessly teed it to Suarez, who tapped into an open goal with typical panache. Suarez now has 2 goals in as many games.

For Liverpool, Carroll was the flop. His presence only seems to make the team pump long balls, which come to nothing. His substitution immediately changed the game and Liverpool looked more lively and threatening. Martin Kelly and Jose Enrique performed at the very highest level and Suarez was electrifying along with Meireles. New signings Adam, Henderson and Downing all played well but weren’t able to produce those cutting edge passes and crosses.

Arsenal’s situation on the other hands seems bleak. Their only lively player on the field was Nasri, who looks set to change allegiance. Frimpong had a good game, but was sent off quite harshly. The result puts further doubts on Arsenal’s “title hopefuls” tagline, while Liverpool themselves weren’t convincing either.

Tags: Arsenal, Emirates Stadium, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Premier League, Review