Arsenal v Liverpool: Wounded animal regains consciousness

Vultures were circling around the Emirates last night waiting for the last sight of breath escaping their unsuspecting victim on a freezing night in North London.

In the end, the scavengers gave up as the wounded animal slowly regained consciousness and lived to fight another day.

Far from being dead, the timid creature created by Arsene Wenger now senses the hunt is on once more with the leaders again in sight and seemingly losing their ruthless streaks.

Arsenal know the path ahead is clearly signposted, even too easy it seems, while those in front face a more tricky route. Whether the gap is insurmountable only time will tell, but it could be a very close fight indeed.

Abou Diaby, whose physicality was sorely missed in recent matches, rose to head an inviting Rosicky cross into the Liverpool net last night to give The Gunners the three points they so desperately needed. Chelsea's loss to Everton and Manchester United's draw with Aston Villa mean Arsenal are now six points behind their West London rivals.

On paper, Wenger's men now have easier fixtures than the top two which could pave the way for an interesting few months, but they will need to improve on an unconvincing performance last night.

It was, however, the gritty performance which was craved by the Gunners' faithful after two soul-destroying defeats.

After being left for dead once again, the animal is now very much alive.