Arshavin to blame for Liverpool title tilt wilt

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Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin is to blame for Liverpool's failed attempt to wrestle the Premier League title away from Manchester United, according to Chris Kamara.

Rafael Benitez's side led the standings for long periods in 2008/09, but eventually fell four points short of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have now drawn level with the Reds on 18 English league crowns.

And former Swindon and Brentford stalwart turned pundit Kamara believes the diminutive Russian's four-goal haul in Arsenal's thrilling 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in April was the defining moment in the Reds' run-in.

Despite trailing 1-0 to at half-time, the Merseysiders rallied to lead 2-1 through goals from Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, only for the Gunners' £15 million signing from Zenit St Petersburg to respond in style with a second-half hat-trick.

“This was the game of the season for me," he told Sky Sports.

“I remember Liverpool playing some absolutely outstanding football throughout the match, but Arsenal's counter-attacking play was devastating.

“Even top-class players like Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina couldn't stop the sheer class of Andrey Arshavin on that night. He showed everybody in England why Arsene Wenger waited so long to get him.

“That was the game that finally upset Liverpool's title challenge and it was memorable for so many reasons.”

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Gregg Davies
Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.