Liverpool salvaged a 4-4 draw with Arsenal deep in injury time but Andrei Arshavin's four goals dealt the Reds' English Premier League title challenge a huge setback.The draw, which had seemed implausible when Arshavin scored the final time in the 90th minute before Yossi Benayoun struck at the other end, did take Liverpool back to the top of the league on goal difference.
Rafa Benitez's side, however, might not be there long as second-placed Manchester United plays the first of its two games in hand on Wednesday against Portsmouth.
Fernando Torres and Benayoun each scored twice as Liverpool played out a second straight 4-4 draw, duplicating last week's match at Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals. That result still led to Liverpool's exit on away goals.
Tuesday's result leaves them relying on winning the five remaining matches and United losing twice in its seven. Benayoun, then put his team in front in the 56th, with Kuyt exploiting poor defending by Kieren Gibbs to provide the Israeli with a far-post header.
The lead lasted only nine minutes, when Arshavin struck again, stealing the ball off Alvaro Arbeloa and curling it beyond the reach of the diving Pepe Reina.
Three minutes later Liverpool messed up again. Fabio Aurelio inadvertently crossed to Arshavin and the February signing from Zenit St. Petersburg scored his third to put Arsenal back in control.
Liverpool, however, came back again as Torres controlled Albert Riera's cross, turned Mikael Silvestre and fired past Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Arsenal never gave up its resolve despite being effectively out of the title race. Having come off the bench, Walcott picked up Fabianski's clearance, charged down the pitch and squared to Arshavin who slotted in the apparent winner.
The Liverpool fans were departing, but given the fluctuating fortunes of the night it was no surprise when Benayoun found himself in space to equalize yet again.
