Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal (Aggregate 5-3)

Arsenal's season was left on life support following a 4-2 loss in a thrilling encounter on Merseyside. The Gunners ran out to an early lead thanks to Abou Diaby's powerful drive on 13 minutes. The Frenchman latched onto Alex Hleb's superbly placed though ball, took one touch and hammered the ball to the inside of Pepe Reina's inside post.

For a quarter of an hour Arsenal were in the driver's seat until conceding a corner and with almost half an hour gone Sami Hyypia managed to lose Phillipe Senderos in the box to make it 1-1. The giant Finn got a firm header on the ball which left Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia with no chance.

Emmanuel Eboue wasted a glorious chance with an hour gone by electing to shoot from a tight angle rather than crossing to Adebayor who found himself in a delicious position. Frustration cannot describe the look it left on Arsene Wenger's face.

Arsenal would pay for the wasted chance almost 5 minutes later as Fernando Torres latched onto Pepe Reina's punt, spun Senderos and hammered the ball passed his countryman Almunia. It makes you wonder if Arsene Wenger will finally call upon Johan Djourou.

Wenger made two attacking changes soon after the goal with Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott replacing Diaby and Eboue.

The decision to bring on Walcott would appear to be a masterstroke almost 10 minutes later as the young Englishman departed on a blazing solo run before picking out Adebayor who equalized to send the traveling contingent into delirium.

High drama would take place right after the kickoff as Toure appeared to bring down Liverpool substitute Ryan Babel in the box. Replays would show there was contact but how much is sure to be a point of hot debate. Steven Gerrard would slot home the penalty in efficient style. At this point Arsenal appear deflated.

Arsenal would manage a few futile attempts at attacking but couldn't muster anything and felt the hammer blow when Liverpool were able to clear a Cesc Fabregas freekick long for Babel to get on the end of, Babel made no mistake as he put the ball and the tie out of Almunia and Arsenal's reach.

After such a promising start Arsenal must now hope for Manchester United to self destruct to stand any chance at silverware this season.

The turbulence and uncertainty ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa continues to cast a dark cloud over what should be a nation's coming out party. The latest episode follows a report from the British newspaper The Guardian stating that insurers were fearful about providing coverage for the event amid fears that the stadiums would not be complete on time. This report comes at a time when around 500 workers have gone on strike at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The estimated date of completion for the 46,000-seat stadium is mid-2009 but unless this problem is solved quickly that will surely be pushed back.

It is widely thought that the United States is the stand-by host in case the event cannot go ahead in South Africa. Certainly living in the United States I would be delighted at an opportunity to attend World Cup matches so easily, but I want South Africa to host it, I think South Africa needs to host it. Few nations have had to deal with the hardships that South Africa has and the country needs something that could give it a chance to become the great nation it has the potential to be. I think, and I hope that the 2010 World Cup would do just that. So, I wish South Africa the best of luck

Tomorrow (or today in most places) Arsenal and Liverpool will meet in what will be the second of three matches in one week's time. It's an important match for both clubs, particularly Arsenal who need a win to keep pace with league leaders Manchester United. Despite a recent slide in form Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal still have enough in the tank to capture their first championship since the 2004 season in which the Gunners went unbeaten. The Londoners will need a solid performance from Phillipe Senderos and William Gallas in the heart of defense as it seems likely Rafa Benitez will call upon Peter Crouch who has made it a habit to score against Arsenal throughout his career. Arsenal also announced that goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has signed a new contract. Lots of people question Almunia's ability, while there are many goalkeeper's I'd rather have I believe Almunia has done a respectable job.