Kop crisis
by Terry Redhead of "Press Association"
A magical moment of skill by Paul Merson installed Arsenal as Barclays League title favourites and sent the word crisis resounding around the Kop. Merson's magnificent strike after 66 minutes put the Gunners three points ahead of their arch enemies in a two-horse race for the championship.
Meanwhile Liverpool were left to face a harrowing week of uncertainty. Since the shock resignation of Kenny Dalglish they have lost three games in a row for the first time since 1987. And this week they are due to announce the man to succeed Dalglish.
Not that acting manager Ronnie Moran can be blamed for what has proved to be a disastrous seven days. Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup to Everton thanks mainly to the brilliance of keeper Neville Southall. And they found Arsenal's David Seaman in similar good form on Sunday.
Furious
Seaman, arguably England's best goalkeeper at the moment, deservedly took the man of the match award for keeping the Reds at bay in a fast and furious, yet highly-skilled first half.
Urged forward by most of the 37,000-plus Anfield faithful, Liverpool almsot struck in the 10th minute.
Jan Molby stripped the Arsenal defence and sent Peter Beardsley away. His first-time cross reached John Barnes but a superb save from Seaman kept out his effort.
Two minutes later Seaman saved brilliantly as Molby fired in a shot. But it was not all one-way traffic. And Merson, his greatest moment still to come, missed a splendid opening after 18 minutes when he headed off target after Bruce Grobbelaar was caught out by a long cross.
Liverpool still pushed forward with authority and Seaman saved his side again when he stopped a diving header by Steve Nicol and a Barnes curling free kick as the half drew to a close.
Steve Bould followed captain Tony Adams into the referee's notebook early in the second half as Arsenal stoked up their efforts.
Grobbelaar did well to smother Michael Thomas' shot after youngster David Hillier's cross before David Rocastle became the third Arsenal man booked, after a late challenge on David Burrows.
The game looked like remaining goalless, but suddenly in the 66th minute it was won - and lost.
Merson carried the ball on the left and played it inside to the hard-working Alan Smith. His immediate return ball set Merson away with just Grobbelaar to beat. Having chosen not to go for the chip, Merson cleverly and patiently drew Grobbelaar off his line before slipping the ball perfectly inside the far post.
Burrows was booked for a foul on Lee Dixon, who later almost added a second goal but for Grobbelaar's quick intervention. But by then, the frustrated Liverpool were a beaten side.
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