Was 1-1 a point won, or two points lost? At the home of the defending champions which has been a grave-yard for 90 per cent of the visiting teams, it was a point won, but given the circumstances of the game it was two points lost.

Both goals came in similar circumstances, but seemed to effect the referee in different ways. Baros was past Campbell and with Seaman to beat was brought down via a tackle from behind for Liverpool's penalty, but Jeffers was given a light tug (that my daughter could recover from) from Riise and fell dramatically in the box after taking a step. Why Riise received a card and Campbell didn't is only known to the ref.

Much as I hate to admit it, Liverpool looked more likely to score once Owen limped off with another hamstring injury. Diouf looked threatening (though rusty in front of goal) whenever he got the ball, and you just got the feeling he could do something that would turn the game. Baros put in a hard working display, and Cheyrou seemed to give the team more creativity. The side we started the second half with looked genuinely capable of winning most games, and exciting the fans while doing it.

With Owen on the field, we seemed to play more aimless long-balls which circumvented midfield, in an attempt to use his pace. Without him on the field, we needed to be more creative in midfield (unless those were the orders from the bench).

Strange as it may sound, but Houllier seemed to have a better game as well. Starting Riise at left-back and Cheyrou at left-half gave more balance for the team, Diouf came on early and showed promise, and the second half tactics seemed to be spot on. As for why he substituted Baros for Biscan, only he knows.

Playing the defending champions was always going to be a challenge, and also a barometer of our progress. Both teams looked very different going forward - Arsenal seemed to create four on four situations at will with pace and passing the Liverpool of the 80's would have enjoyed, while Liverpool always seemed to leave Baros and Diouf isolated at times. Something in the transition from defence to attack seems to be missing in the Liverpool midfield.

There were also two very interesting by-plays in the game. Murphy had to wrestle the ball off Diouf to take the penalty - Murphy did what was best for the team while Diouf needs a goal, and at a goal-kick, Henry retrieved the ball for the again excellent Kirkland which shows the league leaders passion for getting the three points (which they should have but for a Silva miss in injury time).

All up, an encouraging effort from the team, and we can look forward to the return at Anfield!