As the cliché goes, it was a game of two halves. Arsenal’s fortune was that their opponents were not out of sight after the first. Liverpool should have been three up at the interval, and all I could think of at half-time was that Manuel Almunia had surely played his last ever first team game for the club.

But football, being the game it is, will occasionally throw up surprises. Like Chelsea failing to beat Everton at home and Manchester United suffering the ignominy of a home defeat to Villa. Anfield was a massive match for both sides. Arsenal certainly could not afford to suffer a fifth league defeat, more especially because yesterday’s results offered a lifeline to the club’s Premier League campaign. For once, they were able to take advantage.

But not before an abysmal display in the first 45 minutes, failing to even muster one serious goal chance and with a keeper for whom the adjective ‘commanding’ will never be required. Arsene Wenger blew his top in the dressing room, sharing the frustration of the fans at the team’s performance. He could see everything he has been working towards being thrown out of the window through sheer lack of commitment. And that isn’t the mark of any side that can be described as winners.

Arsenal’s fortune continued with the equalising goal. Arshavin’s winner was the kind of moment of magnificence we’ve come to expect from the player. A flash of pure brilliance where a strike at goal seemed unlikely. The visitors didn’t actually fashion many more chances, but the game was won because, tails up, their work rate and desire both improved significantly.

These days, every point is precious, and the three gained at Anfield should be caressed and treasured. Arsenal, over the 90 minutes, didn’t deserve to win, but you won’t find any complaints here. The sport is about results, something Arsene Wenger has to get fixed in his mind. Deep into injury time, Alex Song was marauding in the Liverpool penalty area and a free kick was taken in 15 seconds when it could have used up half a minute of stoppage time with a little more thought.

I confess, as the clock ticked down, I was just waiting for the equaliser, but Liverpool’s attack did not have their shooting boots on this afternoon, as Torres’ first half miss proved. Fortunately, Almunia had relatively little to do in the second half, and great credit to the outfield players for ensuring that.

If Arsenal are going to somehow maintain a title challenge, then the keeper has to go. Whether Fabianski or a new signing is the answer I don’t know. I guess the argument for not buying is that the current back up choice has never had an extended run in the team. But from what I’ve seen, I believe a new signing is the answer.

Burnley on Wednesday is now another huge game. A real test of character. Hopefully the team will be buoyed by this victory, go out and put a side more concerned with avoiding relegation than making the top half of the table to the sword. It’s what champions in the making do.

Do I think the title challenge is back on? Looking at the table, of course it is. But in my heart of hearts, this is a big dipper ride without seat belts. At any point it could all come off the rails. It might happen as soon as Wednesday evening, it could happen at Easter. What would make me happier is the purchase of players that will strengthen the squad in all senses of the word in January. If Arsenal are still in the hunt come then and the manager improves the club’s chances with the purchase of know-how, then anything is possible.

It’s against all odds at the moment, but appropriate investment can increase the chances of the dice falling Arsenal’s way. Howard Webb can be accused of many things, but he was certainly not a homer at Anfield. A penalty against Gallas in the first half could have easily been given. And I’d have had no complaints if it was. But fortune favoured the naïve and Wenger’s men, with the aid of a rocket up the backside, came good.

Let’s hope the manager has no reason to express his anger in such dramatic fashion again.