Two Premier League debuts end in Red Cards

By: Rob | August 15th, 2010

Big game of the day was in the Premier League and was undoubtedly an eventful one at Anfield as Liverpool hosted Arsenal. It finished 1-1, which doesn’t even begin to tell the whole story. Liverpool for long spells looked the better side, but had Joe Cole sent off just before half time, for a clumsy tackle (on his Liverpool debut) but took the lead thanks to David N’Gog just after the break. Liverpool even went down to 9 men after Agger went off with a concussion. It took Arsenal to the death to get an equaliser, and even then it took Pepe Reina throwing it into his own net to materialise. Arsenal debutant Laurent Koscielny was sent off for two stupid (but arguably overdue) bookings at the death.

If Arsenal are really going to be title contenders they really are going to have to do better than they did today. They started without Cesc and Robin Van Persie (and finished without the former) and Andrei Arshavin looked resolutely uninterested throughout. But a draw at Anfield is never a bad result.

Liverpool meanwhile looked better than they did last season at least, and did well to match Arsenal throughout, even when they were down men. So perhaps, despite the late error from Reina, a reason to be optimistic on the Mersey.

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Category: English Premier League, World Football

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OffsideSarah

Rob-I think it might say something about how far Liverpool have come when a draw (at home!) is something to be positive about : )

I also find it hilarious that Koscielny is being criticized for being "too rough" - when most of the questions surrounding his transfer were regarding his ability to withstand (and dish out) tough tackles. There were many "overdue" (and never came) bookings that should have been given to LFC players...

Regardless,was thrilled to see Ngog score - hope his efforts are more appreciated this season by LFC & EPL fans. His goal was quite impressive and gave LFC a reason to consider keeping him in the squad rather than loaning him out.
Rob

They didn't have a great deal to cheer last season though!

Also, Hodgson has confirmed that N'Gog is staying at Liverpool this season, will be interesting to see how much he plays when Torres starts looking sharp again though.
OffsideSarah

And regarding Torres-hes had a rough year of injuries,it would be risky to assume they won't flare up again and he'll need to rest for at least a few games : )
OffsideSarah

Okay, the criticism of Ngog was completely unfair-he was a very raw,young, inexperienced PSG player. I think the investment was actually quite good considering he only cost LFC 1.5M. It was unfair to expect him to complete replace Torres- he is not the cause of LFC's poor season last year...
Deadpool

Agree 100% percent with you Sarah on N'Gog, if he were 28 like Robbie Keane and cost us 15 mill quid then I could understand the complaints. But at the time 1.5 for a 19 year old who was thrown out to the wolves when Torres was injured, just reeks of scapegoatism from LFC fans. That said you have home field advantage and that is usually what occurs in all big matches, yeah Gerrard should have had a yellow here or there in the first half, but there is no way Cole's tackle should be a straight up red. I mean usually forwards and midfielders are given the benefit of the doubt since that is not something they are proficient at. All said Arsenal should count their blessings because a Ten Man Draw is impressive Sarah and it should have been a win to boot!!!
Mtoshea

christ what game were you watching
Mawjr22

Agreed. Must have just watched the second half. Arsenal dominated first half. When Liverpool went down to 10 they seemed to put it together.