Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

(Diaby 72)

Arsene Wenger's relief was plain to see, as he repeatedly punched the air, after seeing his side pick up their first win in 4 attempts in the Barclays Premier League, at the expense of a recently revitalised Liverpool who suffered their first defeat in 7 games thanks to an Abou Diaby header.

In what was supposed to be an engaging affair the first half was exactly the opposite with both sides being tentative, understandably so, as Wenger was desperate for his side to avoid being caught out on the counter attack, a key weakness in the Arsenal side, that constituted to demoralising defeats to both champions Manchester United and Chelsea.

In fact it took until half way through the first 45 minutes for either side to carve out a clear cut chance, with Nicklas Bendtner creating some space for himself before turning and wastefully lashing his effort over Pepe Reina's goal. Bendtner, understandably rusty after making his first start since October 2009, was clearly disappointed in himself for failing to mark his comeback in perfect fashion.

After a frustrating first half for Liverpool, who seemed content to occasionally counter attack, they finally created their first chance, as Lucas embarked on a rare forward run and found himself on the edge of the Arsenal box. The Brazilian, not known for his goalscoring after scoring only 1 Premier League goal, away at Newcastle last season, predictably fired his shot over the bar, increasing his wait for a goal this season.

However Lucas' effort seemed to slightly galvanise Liverpool as Steven Gerrard sent youngster David Ngog away only to have the ball stolen of his toe as he was ready to let fire, by an excellent William Gallas tackle. Seconds later after a fine Arsenal counter attack, Liverpool could have found themselves behind after an Arshavin ball sent Rosicky clean through only for the Czech to lose control of the ball at the last second allowing Reina to smother it.

Howard Webb, England's representative at the summer's World Cup in South Africa, was spot on when booking Nicklas Bendtner for an inexplicable dive, however question marks must be raised as to why Steven Gerrard did not receive the same treatment after replays proved he was guilty of simulation on more that one occasion, simulation being something that is creeping more and more into the England international's game.

Rosicky, who had replaced a groggy Nasri in the first half, almost opened the scoring after a neat move in which an under hit cross fortuitously found its way to Bendtner's feet who laid off to Rosicky who unleashed a ferocious effort which skimmed the top of the Liverpool goal. However it was Rosicky who was the architect of the opening, and winning, goal after delivering a delicious cross which allowed an unmarked Abou Diaby to powerfully head past Reina.

After the goal, the confidence swarmed back to the Arsenal players who's passing became crisper and more fluent, but substitute Ryan Babel, hoping to send a message to Benitez after their not so private bust up, provided Arsenal fans with a heart stopping moment after cutting past Sagna 25 yards from goal and unleashing a stinging shock which drew a fantastic save from the recently criticised Manuel Almunia. From the subsequent corner it was Babel again who rose highest, only to limply head straight at a greatful Almunia.

Liverpool failed to open Arsenal up, but did claim a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Arsenal skipper, Fabregas on the arm whilst blocking a free kick, which should not have been awarded but once again Gerrard's theatrics fooled Howard Webb.

Liverpool's almost lackadaisical approach to the game did not deserve a positive result and Wenger was clearly delighted that his side had gained maximum points from the game, something that hasn't happened since a 4-2 win over Bolton Wanderers back in January. The 3 points will be even more precious when considering Title rival Manchester United and Chelsea both failed to win.

Man of the match: Thomas Rosicky

Ratings:

Arsenal: Almunia 7, Eboue 6, Gallas 7, Vermaelen 7, Clichy 6, Nasri 5, Song 7, Fabregas 7, Diaby 6, Arshavin 6, Bendtner 6- subs Rosicky 8, Walcott 6, Sagna 6

Liverpool: Reina 6, Carragher 6, Skrtel 6, Agger 7, Insua 6, Mascherano 7, Lucas 6, Maxi 6, Gerrard 6, Kuyt 5, Ngog 6 - subs Degen 4, Babel 7.

Other Barclays Premier League results.

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

Everton 2-1 Chelsea

Blackburn 1-0 Hull

West Ham United 2-0 Birmingham

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur