LIVERPOOL 1-2 ARSENAL An angry Arsene Wenger declared his side are back in the title race after a stirring second half comeback at Anfield. The Gunners trailed to Dirk Kuyt s goal but fought back after the break through an own goal from Glen Johnson and

LIVERPOOL 1-2 ARSENAL

An angry Arsene Wenger declared his side are back in the title race after a stirring second half comeback at Anfield.

The Gunners trailed to Dirk Kuyt's goal but fought back after the break through an own goal from Glen Johnson and a stunning Andrey Arshavin winner to cement their place in the top three.

"Liverpool played at a pace above us and won all the 50-50s in the first period, and at half-time a score of just 1-0 down was good for us," said Wenger after his third league win at Anfield since 1996.

"I never speak about what I say at half-time. You respond to what you believe your team needs. I try to be composed. I was quite composed.

"But it is good that after 13 years as manager I can still surprise the players like that."

Earlier, Cesc Fabregas and Thomas Vermaelen had revealed the Frenchman had shown his angry side.

"The boss screamed at us like I have never seen before. He said we didn't deserve to wear the Arsenal shirt," captain Fabregas admitted.

"I think he was right...and in the second half we turned it around and played one of the best second halves of the season."

Belgian defender Vermaelen added: "I've never seen him like that before."

Arsenal levelled when Johnson clumsily stumbled the ball into his own net after a teasing cross from Fabregas and Arshavin completed the comeback with a ferocious drive from just inside the area.

Arsenal held on comfortably and Wenger added: "For us, we are back into contention following the results from Saturday. We are in a good position with a game in hand - mentally it was a massive game for us.

"The team who wins this title will be the one who is the most consistent, and

nobody has done that yet.