This was one of the best matches I’ve enjoyed so far, and this 2007/08 season has proven itself to be one hell of a ride – not just for the Reds mind you, but for all involved. From Barnsley’s giant-killing antics, to Porstmouth charge towards the FA Cup Final. From Manchester City’s amazing start to the season – including their two wins against hated city rivals, thank you very much – to Arsenal’s stuttering finish to the Premier League run-in (compare that to Manchester United’s contrasting luck, bad start, great run-in). There were moments of brilliance aplenty, and for that I truly thank the players who gave them all. I’m a happy fan. And especially so after how we marched on towards European glory tonight, dispatching a plucky Arsenal side.

It was a nightmarish start for us as Arsenal found their rhythm right from the get-go. Not 15 minutes has passed and they’ve already gotten a goal that I really felt Reina should have saved, or should have covered better. But never the less. From there on it was all Arsenal with their silky passing and smooth running, but our defenses held and did not gave away another goal (thankfully).

An unlikely attack resulted in a corner, which resulted in an unlikely goal by.. Hyypia! All right mate, you can retire gracefully now. You’re an Anfield Legend through and through! That goal really took the breath out of Arsenal’s winds, and gave us confidence going forward. We started to find our own rhythm while the young Gunners faltered. Gerrard’s shot came close, and Crouch’s height was starting to give him a telling advantage upfront. And then Lady Luck came smiling for us. Flamini fell awkwardlyon an ankle, and had to be replaced by Gilberto. We continued streaming forward, but it was to be all square come half-time.

We started the second half with similar intent, keen to grab that second vital goal. The match however, proved to be very close, with close to 50%-50% possession, most of which are in the middle third of the field. Both team were lacking that telling pass, though I do must proclaim (through my biased red glasses) our slight dominance. It was Torres then that forced us ahead, with a superbly taken goal towards the 70th minutes mark. Crouch’s flick-on fell perfectly for him to turn and shoot into the top left hand corner – without even looking at the goal! Au naturale, baby!

But still, that didn’t change a thing. Arsenal knew they only needed a goal to swing the balance back into their favor, and they threw all they had, putting in Van Persia and Walcott for Diaby and Eboue. Adebayor missed a great chance when through on goal, and the tension was getting unbearable. My poor sofa chair at home got abused by two overgrown kid jumping around at each poor pass, each shot attempt, each missed (or good) tackles!

We knew we needed another goal, but instead it was Walcott who came to the Gunners’ rescue. He took flight from his own half, leaving 3 to 5 Liverpool defenders stranded with his pace, and pulled the ball back perfectly for Adebayor to finish. F**cking a*se, can’t believe we didn’t get Walcott. Imagine Walcott and Babel on both wings. Yum~! Walcott’s run from the halfway line would bring him comparisons to Owen’s 1998 World Cup goal for England that brought him to prominence. It was all sheer pace, persistence, and intelligent passing too.

Immediately after that, Liverpool were back on top – Babel surged into the box and won what looked to be a soft penalty – I did mention Lady Luck earlier, didn’t I? Up stepped our captain courageous, Gerrard, and as Anfield shushed in prayers (including two cute boys in Singapore), he drove the ball into the top right corner. Nerves of steel!

The ball was back to Arsenal’s court now to get another away goal to see them through, but this time it was our turn to catch them on the break. With all ten Gunners up high in the Reds box for a free-kick, the ball was cleared up front for Babel to outpace and out-muscle Fabregas before slotting home the fourth goal with a cool finishing.

And then, … Anfield celebrated! I can’t sleep! Too excited! It’s Chelsea next! Bring it!