Running thoughts in chronological order (Gunners up 1-nil at half):

• No Walcott.
• Van Persie, within two minutes, tried to cheat by punching the ball past Reina. Sorry, RVP, the ref spotted your cheating ways!
• After 10, the possession and direction favors Arsenal, but it's been cautious play.
• At 13, Liverpool showed some some flair, with a nicely developed goal (Crouch finish) that was nullfied because Crouch was offsides.
• The second ten minutes was a bit more even. Gerard's been quiet. Rafa, please play him the middle.
• The third and fourth ten minutes were also fairly even. This is a very measured match.
• ARSENAL GOAL!!! Precise buildup. In the 41st minute, Hleb dribbled into the center at the top of the box, passed to Fabregas, who nicely found Flamini, the finisher.

FF