I wish I could be optimistic in defeat, even one as comprehensive as this. Truth is, Liverpool did not even have to really step up their game to beat us. A cutting edge in attack saw to that. We were poor, though we did come close on a few occasions, hitting the post twice through Adebayor. What led us down was our defensive work. Again.

We all knew Liverpool were out for some payback. But we were caught cold inside four minutes. Diaby (though he had a good game) and Clichy (likewise) were slow to read the danger and allowed space for a cross that was whipped in (we hardly do that anymore except for Eboue and to a lesser extent Clichy), and though Crouch had a great finish, I think Toure could have done better. In truth, although his pace is often used to great effect to bail himself out of a jam, Toure is not a good defender in terms of the fundamentals. He gambles too much, and is often out-thought, outfought and too easily turned and muscled off the ball. The fourth goal was proof of this. But the first goal was a killer. To concede that early when it was imperative that we settle and dictate the pace of the game was a blow we never really recovered from.

The rest of the half we showed our usual pretty passing patterns, mostly to no great effect. The best chances were from a corner, Ade's header sailing just over the bar with Reina well beaten, and a quick counter forced by some tenacious tackling that broke up a Liverpool attack inside their own half. Ade squared to Baptista who was wide open (though he did not quite have the whole goal to aim at) inside the edge of the box but he miscued woefully with the goal (well half of it at least) at his mercy. Ended nearer the corner than the goal. It was to prove costly.

Eboue failed to recognise the danger from crosses and he did not intervene, choosing to sit back and allow a cross to come in and though it was not an easy header, Crouch was always favourite and planted it firmly in the top corner. No chance for Jens as no one picked up Crouch's run and put a body on him. That was the only way - no way would any of the team outjump him. But again tactically we were probably found wanting. Crouch was always going to be the main threat and cutting out crosses was crucial.

Second half, Ade hit the post and that was the turning point because a couple of minutes later, we conceded a free kick and Agger stole in unmarked ahead of Baptista and glanced it home. Why can't we take free kicks like that and finish in the same fashion? Three down was too much of a mountain to climb and though Ade forced Reina to tip onto the post, and Gallas bundled home a consolation from a free kick, it was too late as we soon conceded a fourth, Crouch turning Toure smartly inside the box and smashing home his impressive hat-trick.

Credit to Liverpool. They wanted it more. The Arsenal team coming out of the dressing room looked a beaten lot. Some even took their time to come out to the field. Not a sign that you really wanted to take the game to the other team. The spark seems to have gone out of the team and it is going to be a hard slog to the end of the season to secure that fourth spot. I hope I am wrong.