Arsenal – Liverpool

1. <i>ESPNsoccernet</i> will be bringing you live commentary of Arsenal's Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium from 1245 BST.

2. <b>Big team news:</b> Samir Nasri starts for Arsenal while Luis Suarez is on the bench for Liverpool.

3. Afternoon everyone, as usual it's a glorious sunny day here in London as I work the weekend shift.

4. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is effectively forced to play the departing Samir Nasri as he has no one else to effectively play in the centre. Just how committed he will be, and how the fans react, is a different matter.

5. Emmanuel Frimpong, tipped to make the breakthrough last term before being ruled out for the entire campaign, makes his first Premier League start with Alex Song suspended.

6. With Gervinho also suspended, Robin van Persie, the new skipper, is the only striker named. Kieran Gibbs is injured so Carl Jenkinson also comes in for his full debut.

7. Liverpool play one up front with Dirk Kuyt coming in for Luis Suarez, who is benched in favour of a five-man midfield.

8. John Flanagan pays the price for going AWOL for Sunderland's leveller, with Martin Kelly handed a rare start instead.

9. Samir Nasri's name was roundly booed when read out pre-match.

10. 1'

    And Arsenal kick-off.

11. 2'

    Frimpong's first act is to clean out Dan Agger on a bursting run. He's going to be a tough tackler.

12. 3'

    Free-kick to Liverpool, but Adam's delivery is woeful - lifted over the top of everyone and out for a goal-kick.

13. 4'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: Nasri was clearly booed by some sections of the crowd when his name was read out, he hasn't had the ball for long enough yet to hear exactly what the fans think. </i>

14. 5'

    Nasri gets properly on the ball for the first time - not noticable crowd reaction

15. 6'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0820/samirnasritraining_275x155.jpg"><br>Samir Nasri is all smiles pre-match.

16. 6'

    Arsenal have a corner now. Vermaelen comes up.

17. 6'

    Van Persie takes from the right, it drops loose to Arshavin on the penalty spot and he shanks it up in the air. Unmarked.

18. 7'

    Good start by Arsenal, all the pressure with the home side.

19. 7'

    Another corner, Nasri takes from the left but Vermaelen is off balance and heads wide.

20. 8'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: Think it's wise that Wenger put Carl Jenkinson in his natural position at right-back on his Premier League debut. Though Downing should be a tricky opponent for the teenager. </i>

21. 8'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Frimpong enters the book for a run of fouls ... eight minutes gone.

22. 9'

    Now Kuyt is tripped by Arshavin. Great chance to cross into the box from the right.

23. 10'

    Adam loops it to the near post, it's a dangerous delivery but the Arsenal defence deals with it.

24. 11'

    Good break at the other end, Walcott has a bit of space to run into but his attempted low cross for Van Persie is poor and easy for Reina.

25. 12'

    Cesc Fabregas on Twitter: "Watching Arsenal vs Liverpool. Come on boys!"

26. 13'

    Stewart Downing fires the ball into the back of the net - but Carroll had already been penalised and play had stopped.

27. 14'

    Koscielny is down - he's pulled something. Arsenal will have to make a change.

28. 14'

    Looks like a back injury - he was jogging, not running, with the ball and just broke down.

29. 15'

    Arsenal only have one defender on the bench: Ignasi Miquel who played in the FA Cup earlier this year twice.

30. 16'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> And it is Ignasi Miquel who comes on. Koscielny hobbles off with help from the physios. Arsenal now have three players making full Premier League debuts.

31. 17'

    Miquel is a Spanish centre-back who skippered the reserve team last season. He was part of the Spain squad that won the European Under-19 Championships in the summer.

32. 18'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: More defensive woes for Arsenal, Koscielny hobbles off. This Arsenal team looking younger and younger now. Ignasi Miquel probably a better option to have than Squillaci to be fair. Miquel's last run out was in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient, likely to be slightly more difficult for him today. </i>

33. 18'

    Cesc Fàbregas: "Come on Iggy. Great future centre back."

34. 19'

    Liverpool must take the game to Arsenal now, test the centre-backs.

35. 20'

    A cross comes in from the left and Carroll leaves Sagna floundering - Szczesny makes a top save from the header

36. 21'

    Now Kuyt has a snap shot, but it was always snatched at.

37. 22'

    Great run from Enrique who looks to outstrip Jenkinson - before the Arsenal youngster brings him down close to the corner flag.

38. 23'

    Adam stands over it again, but completely scuffs his cross and it rolls harmlessly to an Arsenal player to clear.

39. 24'

    Kuyt runs down the left and chip a cross back into the centre for Henderson, who heads weakly at Szczesny. Liverpool well on top.

40. 25'

    Another Frimpong foul, this time tripping Carroll just outside the centre circle in the Arsenal half.

41. 26'

    Poor free-kick again, deep to Carroll at the back post and it evades everyone.

42. 26'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0820/robinvanpersiejoseenrique_275x155.jpg"><br>Robin van Persie does battle with Liverpool summer signing Jose Enrique

43. 27'

    Good ball in from Downing, Vermaelen heads away to the edge of the box. But Frimpong slices his clearance back towards goal and is lucky Kuyt cannot make more of it.

44. 28'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Andy Carroll pointlessly shoots after being flagged offside. It was well after the whistle had gone, and he was miles offside anyway. Stupid.

45. 29'

    Arshavin plays an intelligent ball across the face of goal but there's no one there to take advantage.

46. 30'

    Charlie Adam shoots from bang on the half-way line. Very hopeful, Szczesny was not that far out and wouldn't have been beaten, ball dropped just over the bar.

47. 30'

    Free-kick to Arsenal on the left, Sagna was held back. Arshavin takes but it's cleared at the near post.

48. 31'

    Oooooooooooooooooooh! Rasping drive from Frimpong from 25 yards which Reina has to tip around the post.

49. 32'

    Poor cross from Downing, for some reason Szczesny makes the "save" and it's a corner.

50. 32'

    Poor corner again from Liverpool, easily cleared.

51. 33'

    John Carew on Twitter about Frimpong: "Mr T is gonna get a red card soon.."

52. 34'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0820/laurentkoscielnyinjury_275x155.jpg"><br>Laurent Koscielny pulls up with a back injury in the opening minutes versus Liverpool

53. 35'

    Great run from Nasri, the Liverpool defence backed off and the backed off some more inviting the shot, but his effort was just dragged wide left.

54. 36'

    Arsenal have settled now after the loss of Koscielny.

55. 37'

    Lucas seemed to get the ball by going through the back of Nasri. No free-kick.

56. 38'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0820/samirnasri_275x155.jpg"><br>Samir Nasri received a mixed reception by the Arsenal fans upon his inclusion in the starting XI

57. 39'

    Downing tries an effort from the edge of the box but again it's off target.

58. 40'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: "Rumour doing the rounds in the press box that Nasri deal has broken down. He just showed exactly what Arsenal will be missing if he does go, though. His pacy, direct running is a real asset for the Gunners."</i>

59. 41'

    You can follow me on Twitter: @dalejohnsonESPN

60. 42'

    Sorry to say that neither of these teams seem to have a hope of challenging for the Premier League title.

61. 43'

    Corner to Arsenal, Miguel almost gets his head on it but Agger is there first.

62. 44'

    Newcastle are leading 1-0 at Sunderland, Ryan Taylor with the goal - fantasy gold.

63. 45'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> This time it's Frimpong fouled and Lucas enters the book.

64. 45'

    The free-kick for Arsenal is dead centre, 25 yards out. Cracking opportunity.

65. 45'

    Van Persie's effort hits the top of the wall, and over for a corner. Poor.

66. 45'

    Three minutes will be added on.

67. 45'

    Nasri takes the corner, punched away by Reina.

68. 45'

    Nasri turns Lucas expertly and bursts forward for the shot - and fires well over. That should be that.

69. 45'

    And there goes the half-time whistle.

70. 45'

    An entertaining if not spectacular first 45 minutes. Liverpool need to put more pressure on the Arsenal defence after the break.

71. 45'

    You can join Tom McGowan during the half-time interval, who is currently chatting all things Premier League. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live/_/id/946032/matchday-live?cc=5739" target="_blank">Click here</a>

72. 45'

    But remember to come back to me for the second half.

73. 45'

    Arshavin surely cannot last long in the second half if he does not improve. He has been the worst player on the pitch.

74. 45'

    The rain has arrived in London now as well, which will make for a slick surface.

75. 46'

    Liverpool start the second half, and Adam shoots from the kick-off into the gloves of Szczesny.

76. 47'

    Walcott and Jenkinson link up, but the latter's cross is mopped up.

77. 48'

    Arsenal have started much better than they ended the first period.

78. 49'

    Arsenal enjoying all the possession, and being patient with it.

79. 50'

    And Arshavin gives the ball away again on the edge of the area.

80. 53'

    Not much is happening right now. Disappointing.

81. 54'

    Arshavin gives the ball away.

82. 55'

    Cross from Jenkinson, no one there other than a Liverpool defender.

83. 55'

    Great break from Liverpool. Adam's through ball to Carroll is overhit, but he manages to lay it off for Kelly who sees his shot hit the outside of the post and go behind.

84. 56'

    Arshavin gives the ball away.

85. 57'

    So Canal+ are reporting that Nasri's move to Man City has collapsed. Canal+ reported on Wednesday evening the deal was done and he'd signed a four-year contract.

86. 58'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: "Expecting Suarez introduction sooner rather than later. Wonder when Dalglish is planning to change things up a bit."</i>

87. 59'

    Newcastle have won 1-0 at Sunderland. Ryan Taylor with the goal, Phil Bardsley sent off.

88. 60'

    All the joy has gone out of this game. We need some fresh legs.

89. 61'

    Arshavin loses the ball.

90. 62'

    There's barely an atmosphere in the stadium. You can hear individual shouts.

91. 63'

    Walcott puts in a decent cross from the right, Carragher intercepts. Arsenal sparse up top.

92. 64'

    And Ramsey plays a sidefooted pass directly out of play. This isn't improving.

93. 65'

    <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: Expecting Suarez introduction soon, Arsenal are there for the taking. Liverpool have looked the more inventive but that's not saying a lot. Poor second half so far from both sides really. </i>

94. 66'

    I can't believe neither manager has made a sub to try and change the course of this game.

95. 67'

    Chipped ball by Walcott, Carragher heads away. Wrong choice by Walcott, he should have driven at Enrique.

96. 68'

    Arshavin finally does something, winning the battle in the box with Kelly after initially miscontrolling. He finds Van Persie who forces a save out of Reina at his near post.

97. 69'

    Maybe, just maybe, signs of a little belief in the Arsenal camp. Liverpool have been woefully disappointing this half.

98. 70'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/red_card.jpg" height="15"> Frimpong sees red, John Carew was on the money.

99. 71'

    Frimpong definitely left his studs in on Lucas as the Liverpool midfielder cleared the ball. Definite second yellow card.

100. 72'

     Frimpong will be suspended for next weekend's game against Manchester United - along with Gervinho and Alex Song. Bare bones.

101. 72'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Liverpool keep one up front as Suarez comes on for Carroll and Raul Meireles replaces Kuyt.

102. 73'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Change for Arsenal too as Henri Lansbury is on for only his second ever appearance. No shock Arshavin has gone off.

103. 73'

     <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: Oh dear Frimpong. A bit of naivety from him but he's being given a standing ovation by the Arsenal fans. Another suspension for Gunners. Arshavin & Carroll both deservedly substituted. Not very impressed with either of them today. </i>

104. 74'

     Suarez is played through the centre by Enrique - he has a sight of goal but Szczesny makes himself big with the block.

105. 75'

     Now Downing breaks through and again Szczesny tips it away. Liverpool smell blood against ten-man Arsenal.

106. 76'

     You do have to wonder about Kenny Dalglish changing a striker for a striker moments after Arsenal had their only holiding midfielder sent off. Slightly negative?

107. 77'

     Either way, they look far more fluid with Luis Suarez up there rather than Carroll.

108. 78'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool

109. 78'

     Meireles plays in Suarez, who looked like he might have been offside, Miquel tries to clear the ball away, smacks it into the chest of Ramsey and it loops back over Szczesny and into the back of the net.

110. 79'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Theo Walcott is off, on comes Nicklas Bendtner

111. 80'

     More calamity in the Arsenal defence. The rain had seen off all the fans in the lower seats already. More are leaving now.

112. 81'

     Liverpool, with a man advantage, will be happy to soak this up now. Arsenal appear toothless. Wenger has ten days to build a squad.

113. 82'

     Suarez theatrically throws himself to the deck - ref is right to give no foul.

114. 83'

     Liverpool put a couple of crosses into the area. If anyone is likely to score its the visitors.

115. 84'

     Jenkinson is hobbling now. Arsenal have made three subs and could be down to nine shortly.

116. 85'

     The atmosphere really is very odd. Almost a resigned acceptance of defeat.

117. 86'

     Raul Merieles fires over when in a good position, Liverpool just able to stroll forward at times.

118. 87'

     <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: The Gunners doing their best to gee up their players but it's the Liverpool fans who can be heard the loudest at Emirates Stadium. An unlucky way for Arsenal to go behind but it was what Liverpool deserved really. Feel sorry for Miquel, he looked devastated. </i>

119. 88'

     Suarez almost breaks through the centre, Vermaelen wise to his trickery.

120. 89'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Lansbury is the latest in the book for a poor challenge on Adam.

121. 90'

     Liverpool playing keep-ball, barely a challenge going in from Arsenal. This is the opposite of just about any Arsenal side we've seen under Wenger.

122. 90'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: Luis Suarez

123. 90'

     Arsenal all over the place at the back. Lucas plays it right to the unmarked Merieles, who rather than shooting squares for Suarez to tap home.

124. 90'

     There's just over two minutes of an added four to go.

125. 90'

     Ramsey's shot is deflected, corner to Arsenal.

126. 90'

     <i>Mark Lomas at Emirates Stadium: "Too easy. Suarez celebrates, Gunners fans boo as they head for the exit in their thousands." </i>

127. 90'

     Arsenal waste the corner.

128. 90'

     Into the last minute of added time.

129. 90'

     And that's it, the final whistle goes and is greeted by a chorus of boos.

130. 90'

     Liverpool were not great, but Arsenal were abysmal for large spells of this game.

131. 90'

     Another red card, another player injured and real worries about the Gunners this season.

132. 90'

     Kenny Dalglish's tactics worked superbly, even if they were not very adventurous.

133. 90'

     Wenger knows he must buy and buy fast or his season will very quickly be in tatters.

134. 90'

     If Samir Nasri was unable to agree terms with Man City, maybe this will make him think again about his demands.

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