What a strange match to call. For good parts of the game when both sides had eleven men on the pitch, Liverpool were in control. That's not to say that they were dominating or should have been ahead - although there was that glorious opportunity for Gerard at the end of the first half - but they were certainly controlling the game.

Then came Adebayor's sending off and Liverpool suddenly seemed content with a draw. Perhaps it was the absence of Benitez (and, in my opinion, he should have let Sammy Lee get on with the job rather than try to control everything) or else letting in a goal on the break but Liverpool eased off. Credit also Arsenal, whose players upped the tempo but the truth is that Liverpool didn't exploit the extra man.

Should Adebayor have been booked on those two occasions? Probably not, but if you go for the ball with your foot angled in that manner then you are asking for trouble especially if the referee has already booked you for a similar challenge.

Viewed in isolation, this is a good result at a ground where both Chelsea and Manchester United (deservedly) lost. As with so many games of late, however, you get the feeling that at the end of the season Liverpool will rue these dropped points.

Good Game
Not at fault with the goal, Pepe Reina didn'r really have much to do given Arsenal's lack of threat up front. Much of that, of course, is due to Daniel Agger - who ws much improved here - as well as Jamie Carragher even though the latter was at fault with the goal.

Alvaro Arbeloa will probably be remembered most for the way he went down for Adebayor's challenge (and it was rather theatrical) but overall he had his usual solid game, defending well and good when going up. Carragher recently pointed him out as the most under-rated player in the squad and you can't really argue with that.

That Benitez was the one who chose the squad could be seen by Emiliano Insua's inclusion in the team and, as happened at Blackburn, the young Argentine had a very impressive game. Not at all overawed by the occasion or ground, he was excellent defensively and even better when going forward. It might seem like a bit of knee jerk reaction (especially as he visibly tired towards the end) but for me he was the man of the match and deserves to keep his place against Bolton.

In midfield, Albert Riera clearly relished playing at the Emirates and his control of the ball can be a joy to watch when he's on form. Shorn of the cover of Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso was perhaps less apparent today which goes as well for Lucas Leiva who still had a very good game and is clearly growing in confidence after Benitez's public backing.

Hard working as always, Dirk Kuyt gave Gael Clichy a hard time. He laid the ball which Gerrard should have put in and then had a strong shot that Almunia did brilliantly to turn into a corner. The Arsenal keeper, however, could do very little to stop Robbie Keane's shot and finally the Irishman seems to be getting his form back.

As always, Steven Gerrard was good and a pivotal player for Liverpool. Even so, he really should have put away that ball at the end of the first half.

Bad Game
No player really had a bad game here but no one really tried that hard once Adebayor went off which was a massive disappointment.

Substitutes
There is the argument that it is because of his lack of games but for me, Ryan Babel is trying his hardest to get Liverpool to sell him. Asked to add a little bit of pace to Liverpool's game, he answered with a series of bad controls and even worse passes. Disappointing to say the least.

So much that Nabil El Zhar, who cost a fraction of Babel, was a more dangerous option. The Moroccan should have scored from Insua's cross but overall he did what he was asked in stretching Arsenal's defence. In the long run, he probably isn't good enough for Liverpool (and Jermaine Pennant, if on form, is possibly a better option) but he does his job.

David N'Gog didn't stay long enough on the pitch to merit a comment.