After two 1-1 draws the trilogy of games between Arsenal and Liverpool is likely to provide a fitting finale in the defining match of the season for both clubs.

Both games at the Emirates were lively affairs and there was much to be gleaned for Rafa Benitez and Arsene Wenger.

Liverpool coped fairly well in the first Champions League tie without offering a whole lot of threat to the Arsenal defence. The Merseyside giants were lucky to come away with a draw after what looked like a certain penalty (Dirk Kuyt’s foul on Alexander Hleb) was denied to the Gunners in the second half.

‘Surprisingly, Arsenal go into the second leg as slight underdogs ... but if they score the pressure will immediately revert to the home side’


But Benitez’s side showed they could live with Arsenal’s passing and movement, and the formation that the Spanish manager has relied on looks able to nullify many of Arsenal’s threats.

Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are more than a match for Arsenal’s midfield engine of Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas and neither of the two midfielders nor the Arsenal centre-backs knew who should be picking up Steven Gerrard in the hole during the first match.

In addition, game by game, Gerrard is becoming more comfortable with his role just behind Fernando Torres – his run for Kuyt’s goal on Wednesday night was sensational and he looked dangerous in the Premier League game yesterday when he came on as a substitute.

The Gunners will also have to be wary that Torres is much more prolific at Anfield, having scored six in successive games at home. Peter Crouch was also excellent yesterday. Another worry for Wenger is that the Gunners defence does not cope so well with an aerial bombardment, as was shown in their capitulation at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago.

Liverpool will be buoyed by the fact the final and most decisive game is at Anfield, where the “12th man” could well make a difference, but they will need to keep their shape and show discipline, so the Kop may have to be patient.

As for Arsenal, whilst the draw yesterday may have signalled the final death knell in their title charge, it has placed greater importance on the Anfield finale.

The Gunners will go without silverware again if they do not progress in the Champions League – this could give the players the focus they need to overcome what has been a large dip in form (except for the San Siro and the Bolton comeback) in recent weeks.

They undoubtedly have the talent to overcome a dogged Liverpool side. It has gone almost unnoticed that Arsenal scored two almost identical goals in four days. Both Emmanuel Adebayor’s and Nicklas Bendtner’s headers came from in-swinging set-plays. It appears that Wenger has pinpointed Pepe Reina as a weak link in the Liverpool defence and the fact that Liverpool did not attack the ball for both goals gives Arsenal some hope in an area where they themselves are usually suspect.

This Arsenal side also have the experience of achieving fantastic results at Anfield (two cup wins last season) and should not be overawed by the occasion. In addition, the build-up is likely to be dominated by memories of the famous 1989 League Championship win at Anfield, which can only boost morale.

Surprisingly, Arsenal also go into the second leg as slight underdogs. The mood around the tie has centred on Kuyt’s equaliser and the importance of the away goal. But Arsenal have only failed to score away from home four times this season and if they do score the pressure will immediately revert to the home side who will know how important a second goal for the Gunners could be.

For two of the biggest clubs in England, the upcoming match at Anfield cannot be underestimated, The winner will fancy their chances of overcoming either Chelsea or Fernerbahce in the next round.

Arsenal will remember their heroics in the San Siro, whilst Anfield will recall the two tight semi-final wins over Mourinho’s Chelsea.

This may well be the night when Wenger’s youngsters come of age or when Benitez again proves what a master tactician he is in European competition.

Catch all the goals from the Champions League ties on 101 Great Goals.