Reds boosted by García late show

On the rebound
The Spanish international forward fired in from close range after Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had pushed out a shot from another replacement, Dietmar Hamann, in the 87th minute. The goal brought an unhappy end to an impressive evening's work by the Germany keeper, who excelled with a string of saves, most notably from Steven Gerrard's 31st-minute penalty, which Lehmann touched wide of his right-hand post.

Closing on United
However, Liverpool could point to a series of missed opportunities, with Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell both going close and Fernando Morientes spurning a couple of fine chances. The win takes Liverpool, in third position, to within three points of second-placed Manchester United FC while Arsenal FC remain fifth in the table.