http://img.skysports.com/09/12/800x600/Andrey-Arshavin-Arsenal-Premier-League_2396801.jpgMust win they said, win it they have.

For once this season, Arsenal managed to meet expectations – when the stakes were as high as a ‘big four’ meeting.

A fortnight ago, they went into a clash with Chelsea assured of some sort of result but in the end, were mauled like school boys.

Empty-handed fans were quick to exit that day after expecting so much and dreaded an Anfield backlash today, but by full-time, the Gunners had not just contained the pressure, but won under it.

Liverpool took a deserved half-time lead through Dirk Kuyt, but Arsenal were much improved after the restart and leveled matters through the gift of Johnson’s own-goal before Arshavin netted a brilliant winner eight minutes later.

That also meant for the first time this season, Wenger’s men defied pre-game odds – which had tipped the hosts rather than Arsenal to reignite their campaign.

Thomas Vermaelen on Arsene Wenger’s angry half-time team-talk that inspired the Gunners’ comeback:

“I’ve never seen him before like that and we reacted very well. It was very important for us to win today – we have closed the gap a little bit and we are back in the race I think.”

Wenger on the weekend:

“I always said that Chelsea would drop points after our game and I believe they have and they will. Everybody will drop points because there are so many good teams in this league. Now Liverpool have Gerrard back, Torres back, Aquilani back, I tell you many will drop points here. They played at a level in the first half that was impressive.”

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!