harrykewell

JUST when it seemed that Anfield was staging a Valentine's Day evening in with the misses, Luis Garcia struck late on to break the agile resistance of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and plunge Arsenal into further introspection as they strive for a Champions League place.

On a night that appeared an exercise in profligacy, Garcia's goal was saluted to the heavens by the Kop. Lehmann saved well from Didi Hamann, but could only parry the ball out and Garcia applied the coup de grace.

A fixture that once had so much riding on it lacked sustained intensity in the first half. Finishing precision was certainly absent, highlighted by Steven Gerrard's 31st-minute penalty miss after the referee claimed Fernando Morientes was illegally shepherded away from a Harry Kewell pass.

Thierry Henry, like Arsenal generally, struggled to find his game over the opening 45 minutes, while Morientes and Robbie Fowler created moments of promise but found their radars faulty at the critical moment. At least Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal's new recruit, showed some neat touches around the box.

Chances came and went, the focus flowing from end to end. As the game began, Cesc Fabregas drilled in a free-kick that Kolo Toure headed wide. Then Kewell struck a right-footed effort wide.