Arsenal title hopes dented by home draw

LONDON, England -- Arsenal were held 1-1 by Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to deal a heavy blow to their English Premier League title hopes.

The result was a repeat of Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal between the two sides, who both made several changes ahead of next Tuesday's second leg.

The result leaves Arsenal still five points adrift of leaders Manchester United having played a game more. United are at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Recalled striker Peter Crouch gave Liverpool the lead at the end of the first half, with Nicklas Bendtner leveling on 53 minutes.

Liverpool, who consolidate fourth place with the draw, were the better side in the first half and Crouch might have scored early but for Manuel Almunia's fingertip save.

Arsenal's best chance fell to Niklas Bendtner who shot straight at Pepe Reina.

The home side were made to pay with three minutes left to the break when Crouch put Liverpool ahead.

The England striker headed down a long clearance from keeper Reina, which Benayoun flicked on. Crouch collected the ball on his chest and turned inside Arsenal captain William Gallas before drilling his shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Arsenal improved in the second half and Kolo Toure was wide with a free header before a Cesc Fabregas free kick was headed home by Bendtner.

Arsenal sent on leading scorer Emanuel Adebayor but they were unable to grab an equalizer but could have been caught out only for Liverpool substitute Andriy Voronin to fire over from close range. E-mail to a friend