Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

Apr 6 2008 Jamie Hewitt Reports

ARSENE WENGER refused to give up the title chase yesterday but admitted Arsenal need a miracle.

The Gunners will fall eight points off the pace if Manchester United win at Middlesbrough today and the French boss knows that would be a tough gap to make up.

After a second draw against Liverpool in four days Wenger said: "In my brain it is not over as it is not over mathematically.

"It depends on the results of the other teams. I said we would need five wins and a draw - now we need five wins out of five.

"It is frustrating because I feel we had a blatant penalty for a foul on Cesc Fabregas that was not given.

You can see it well on television it is 100 per cent conclusive.

"And we also had a chance in the last minute to kill the game off."

Both sides made changes with Tuesday's Champions League return in mind but Liverpool were more weakened with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres benched.

Boss Rafael Benitez was happy with a point but believes the result will make Arsenal more determined at Anfield.

He said: "We had to work hard and scored a great goal. The work-rate was good from a lot of players who normally do not play. They all did well.

"Maybe the only option now for Arsenal is the Champions League which means they will be more dangerous for us."

Peter Crouch was given a rare start by Benitez and the towering striker netted the opener after 43 minutes.

Yossi Benayoun flicked on a long kick from keeper Pepe Reina and Crouch fired home a low shot from the edge of the box.

Crouch was thrilled with his strike but the England ace hinted he'll have to move in the summer if he continues to be starved of chances at Anfield.

He said: "It's nice to remind people I'm still alive. It's been frustrating not playing.

It's difficult, I'm not going to lie.

I want to play in big games, not watch them.

"If the manager plays one up front Fernando is going to play the majority of games.

"I'll have to see what happens but I'll work hard to the end of the season."

Arsenal improved after the break and equalised in 53 minutes when Fabregas' teasing free-kick found Nicklas Bendtner who powered home a header.