Arsenal pass their first 'real test'

If you believe everything you read in the Newspapers then you will have gathered by now that Arsenal competed in their first real test of the season last Sunday when they went to Anfield to face a stuttering Liverpool side.

The parallels between the two sides seasons couldn't be any more different at this stage of the season.

Arsenal, "The Kids" as some people refer to them, had been tipped to make an exit from the top four this year with Spurs replaceing them. By November they're top of the league and unbeaten in all competitions.

Liverpool were the team people were expecting to do great things. Millions being spent in the Summer on new players but still no consistency as poor results in the league have seen them lagging behind the top two and they also lay bottom in their Champions League group with one point from three games.

Onto the match and it was an entertaining affair with Liverpool grabbing an early goal after their captain Steven Gerrard smashed in a powerful free kick from the edge of the area. 

Even though Liverpool had gained an early advantage in the game as an Arsenal fan I somehow knew that we would be able to come back. Sure enough we went on to produce some brilliant moves through our great football and it was just a final pass which was lacking.

Even so Adebayor had a one on one with Reina but was denied and then Eboue tried a volley from a difficult angle after the Spanish goalkeeper crazily ran off his line to save but the young Ivorian's shot was going wide.

The second half continued much in the same way but this time Liverpool had even less possession. Time was running out before Hleb waited and waited to play a beautiful through ball into Fabregas who had made a timely run from midfield and then our little genius managed to poke the ball home for his 10th goal of an incredible season.

If people weren't taking Arsenal serious as challengers to Manchester United's crown then they certainly would be by now. Arsenal stood up to the challenge of Liverpool at Anfield and even the most die hard Scouser would have to admit they were lucky to get away with a point.

So onto Manchester United this weekend at the Emirates. Another blockbuster game is to be expected between two great sides and every football neutral should be rubbing their hands together in excited over this one.

One thing is for sure though. Even if Arsenal fail to get a point this weekend they should still be respected as potential winners of the Premiership this season.

Until next time.