Yet another truly mesmerising Premier League game. Liverpool and Arsenal continuing a refreshing recent trend of games between the 'big four' that actually live up to the billing.
Eight goals was an honourable reward for two teams insistant on attack from the start.
Love him or loathe him, you cannot help but admire the purism of football that Arsene Wenger instills into his Arsenal team.
Time and time again the passing, movement and intricacies of their play was a joy to watch. Victoria concordia crescit, or, victory through harmony is the official club motto. Thou shall not hoof it - the unofficial remit, often insisting on passing their way out of potentially perilous territories.
The flair and fusion of the frontmen is complimented by the quick thinking of an intelligent midfield. This, as Liverpool can now testify, can be a difficult combination to stop.
Having almost boxed-off fourth place, focus is solely on the Champions League semi with Manchester United.
It won't have escaped Wenger's attention about how much time and space was afforded to Porto's midfield in their tie at Old Trafford. If Arsenal expose United's back-line so frequently, they may not be as forgiving as the Portugese champions.
With the first leg at O.T, much focus will be on Arsenal's ability to look after Rooney and Ronaldo, but a much more important factor is whether United have the legs in midfield to stop the dashes of Arsenal's mobile movements.
Against Porto, Carrick and Fletcher looked sluggish, whilst Paul Scholes simply looked too slow. This is an area Fabregas, Adebayor, Van Persie and co will look to exploit, and a tough selection poser for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite the importance of this game, it is doubtful Wenger will temper the freedom of his players. He will have full confidence of outplaying and out-scoring the Champions, an attitude although admirable, proves costly, and detrimental to their chances of adding tangiable prizes to the unrewarded endorsements of Arsenal's fragrant style.
Three times the lead was relinquished against Liverpool. Benayoun's last minute equaliser came with two Arsenal forwards posted high up the pitch in search of yet another goal. The result was an overstretched defence, an overlap at the back post and three points then became one.
Such reticence to 'spoil' games in order to gain maximum points have punctuated previous league campaigns, and is a key factor in Arsenal still falling behind the pace in the title challenge.
It will be interesting to see how Wenger addresses these failings, and whether he is prepared to sacrifice any of his utopian football philosophy for a more pragmatic approach.
True, the 'invincibles' of 2003/4 were embossed with the same mentality as the current crop, but a spine including Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira provided enough brawn to repel the more rigorous tests.
Even Wenger's first title winning side of 1997/98 were built on the foundations of the impegnable Seaman-Dixon-Keown-Adams-Winterburn quintet, coupled with the Vieira-Petit barrier in front of that.
Today's team does not come close to containing that steel, and it remains difficult to see them as serious title challengers if they continue to totally rely on the total football approach.
There has been an obvious need for a midfield ball-winner and a dominant central defender for two seasons now, yet Wenger continually buys players that fit the Arsenal mould.
Regardless of how skilful your side are, the nature of the Premier League throws up half a dozen games a season where blood, sweat and tears are needed. Such hurdles haven't been negotiated well enough since 2004, and a change of personnel and/or attitude will be required if the five season wait for the title is going to end soon.
Such alterations shouldn't be difficult to fathom, or too wrenching for Wenger to sway from his beliefs. Nobody would have left Anfield last night criticising Arsenal for battoning down the hatches in injury time.
The overall quality and entertainment of Arsenal's football cannot be questioned, what can be asked of Wenger is whether he is prepared to let a little give for the benefit of a lot of take.
If Arsenal can combine the facets of their fantastic attacking play, with a renewed solidarity at the back, they can become a genuine force for honours both home and abroad.
Small matters. big stakes. If Wenger is to be truly classed as one of the managerial greats, his desire for success will override his desire for wonderful football, and he will accept that winning ugly is just as important as winning beautiful.
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