Despite the predictability of the first half, neither side made any changes at the break and Arsenal continued to dominate possession, while Liverpool carried on with their safety-first mentality.

Steve Gerrard did send a long-range volley well wide, while Patrick Vieira earned a booking for a late tackle on Anelka, but otherwise there was little to invigorate the game.

Dennis Bergkamp’s arrival as a 56th-minute substitute for Kanu, who hobbled off, offered signs of hope and the Dutchman was instrumental in Ljungberg's strike.