Diaby puts Gunners back on track

Vassiriki Diaby
12 April 2012

Arsenal breathed new life into their diminishing title hopes with a narrow win 1-0 over Liverpool.

Abou Diaby finally got the breakthrough on 72 minutes, when he headed in Tomas Rosicky's cross as the Gunners bounced back from successive defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.

Liverpool, who are just ahead of Manchester City in fourth place, almost grabbed a late equaliser when substitute Ryan Babel hit the bar.

The Gunners' recent frailty at the back was exposed again on five minutes when a free-kick bobbled alarmingly around the six-yard box before Manuel Almunia gathered. At the other end, William Gallas headed over.

Much like at Chelsea, the Gunners had plenty of possession, but without looking dangerous in the final third. But Arsenal were finally having a decent spell, with Samir Nasri's shot charged down by Emiliano Insua.

Neither side were able to make the most of some promising build-up play as the first half drew to a close.

Arsenal, though, had more urgency following the restart, as Andrey Arshavin drilled into the side-netting. Steven Gerrard's determination released David Ngog down the middle, but Gallas recovered to make a brilliant saving tackle.

Nicklas Bendtner's chip almost crept over after Jose Reina could only make a partial save, but Daniel Agger cleared. However, on 63 minutes, referee Howard Webb showed Bendtner a yellow card for diving under a challenge by Agger, although replays suggested there may have been minimum contact.

Arsenal made the breakthrough after 72 minutes, when Diaby arrived on cue at the far post to head in Rosicky's right-wing cross.

The visitors almost snatched an equaliser with four minutes left, but Almunia tipped a dipping drive from substitute Babel onto the crossbar.

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