Gunned down but Benitez sets sights on AC

Arsenal 3 Liverpool 1

Liverpool will now play in the UEFA Cup next season even though they have every chance of winning the Champions League crown against AC Milan on May 25. Unless UEFA agree to a sudden change of rules, Liverpool will not be allowed to defend the trophy should they overcome the Italians in Istanbul.

Liverpool’s defeat at Highbury yesterday ended their hopes of eclipsing Merseyside rivals Everton for fourth place. But Benitez refused to be downhearted.