Everton stun Liverpool, Arsenal rub it in at Spurs and more great score draws to rival Everton and United
Everton's brilliant display against Manchester United at the weekend proved that a score draw can be as entertaining as a victory. It wasn't the first time honours even had caused excitement however, and to prove it talkSPORT have dug out some classics where the spoils were shared.
Liverpool 4–4 Arsenal, 2009
At one time Andrei Arshavin was considered the next big thing in the Premier League and, if he'd produced performances like this one in April 2009 more often, he would more than have lived up to the hype. The Russian was unplayable at Anfield and his four goals against Liverpool dented the best title challenge the Reds have mustered in two decades. After the Russian put Arsenal ahead early on, Liverpool fired back with two goals in quick succession courtesy of Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, to keep their title hopes alive. Arshavin was a man on a mission however and struck twice in the space of three second half minutes. Torres managed his second to put Liverpool level soon after, but Arsenal went ahead yet again through Arshavin, who drove a shot past Reina on the break. Liverpool managed to earn a draw in the dying minutes through Benayoun, but there was no doubt that the night belonged to the little magician and Rafa Benitez's side had dropped two crucial points in their vain pursuit of Man United. After perhaps one of the finest individual performances in Premier League history, Arsenal fans have been left wondering what could have been.
Tottenham 2–2 Arsenal, 2004
Arsenal's Invincibles clinched a Premier League title at the sweetest of venues when they drew with Tottenham at White Hart Lane in 2004. Newcastle had defeated second place Chelsea in the early kick-off and Arsene Wenger's men knew a point was enough for them to seal the title. Arsenal led early on through Patrick Vieira and the Gunners soon had a second courtesy of Robert Pires. The visitors seemed to let their guard down, however, and as complacency set in Spurs managed a comeback. Jamie Redknapp's long-range effort cut the difference to one, and Robbie Keane converted a penalty to give the home side a point. It was of little difference to the Gunners in the end, with a point ensuring they lifted the trophy and their second title triumph to add to the 1971 victory.
Liverpool 4-4 Chelsea, 2009
In 2009 Chelsea and Liverpool locked Champions League horns for the fifth season in succession (in 2005/06 they had shared two 0-0 draws in the group stage), this time in the quarter finals. Two headed Branislav Ivanovic goals in the first leg at Anfield helped Guus Hiddink's Chelsea turn a 1-0 deficit into a comprehensive 3-1 away win, leading many to believe the tie was dead going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. How wrong they were! In a crazy contest that swung one way, then the next, Liverpool cancelled out Chelsea's two-goal advantage after just 28 minutes and went into half-time with realistic hopes of an incredible win. Chelsea came roaring back from 2-0 down to take the lead, however, 3-2 on the night and 6-3 on aggregate, with just 14 minutes remaining. Game over? No chance, as Liverpool scored twice in two minutes to make it 4-3 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate, needing just one more goal to go through on away goals. As they pushed for the decisive goal, Chelsea struck in the 89th minute through Frank Lampard to finally seal their place in the next round. Phew!
Arsenal 4–4 Tottenham, 2008
If Arsenal were delighted with their derby draw at White Hart Lane in 2004, they were less than pleased after sharing the honours at the Emirates four years later. Harry Redknapp's second game in charge of Spurs couldn't have gone better, though things didn't look so great early on. Mikael Silvestre, William Gallas and Emmanual Adebayor all scored to put Arsenal 3-1 up after a David Bentley opener. Darren Bent reduced the deficit, but Robin Van Persie responded to seemingly kill off any hope of a Spurs comeback. Jermaine Jenas looked to have gained nothing but a consolation goal in the final minute of normal time, but with seconds left, Aaron Lennon rescued Spurs and earned them a point. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Harry and Tottenham, albeit one that has soured somewhat in recent weeks.
Everton 4-4 Liverpool, 1991
A goalless draw between Liverpool and Everton meant a replay was necessary to settle this FA Cup fifth-round tie in 1991. As it happened, it wouldn't be the last, with both sides scoring four in one of the greatest Merseyside derbies of all time. Future Evertonian Peter Beardsley was a surprise selection for the visitors to Goodison Park and it proved to be an inspired choice by Kenny Dalglish, with the out of form forward netting a brace. The tie ebbed and flowed as Liverpool finally took the lead courtesy of John Barnes in extra time, but the Toffees managed a late equaliser through Tony Cottee in the 114th minute. A second replay followed, won by the Blues 1-0, after Kenny Dalglish had handed in his resignation two days after the 4-4 draw.
Tottenham 4–4 Aston Villa, 2007
Yet another great score draw featuring Tottenham, saw the Lilywhites facing utter humiliation on their 125th anniversary. Martin Jol's men fell 4-1 behind at the Lane in this Premier League clash, despite an early lead through Dimitar Berbatov, and Martin O'Neil's Aston Villa side went into cruise control. Pascal Chimbonda and Robbie Keane had other ideas, and with a goal each for Tottenham the comeback was on. Younes Kaboul's late equaliser saved Spurs' blushes, but clinching a draw wasn't enough to save the gaffer's job. Martin Jol left the club soon after, being replaced by Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.
Are there any great score draws we missed out? Let us know below and get voting in the Premier League 20 Awards, here, where you can nominate the match you rate the greatest in Premier League history.