Liverpool are done 4

ANDREY ARSHAVIN blitzed Liverpool’s title dream with FOUR goals — but defiant Rafa Benitez insisted he will battle Manchester United to the end.

The Kop boss insisted: “We know that this result hands the initiative to them but they had it before because they were always in the driving seat.”

The draw lifts Liverpool ahead of United on goal difference but Kamikaze defending cost them the chance to go two points clear. And they have played two games more than their rivals.

Shellshocked Kop fans witnessed their second 4-4 draw in seven days in a real Anfield thriller.

Benitez said: “All the players came off with their heads down even after an incredible performance because they knew we had lost the chance to put big pressure on United.

“But we showed we will fight right to the end. We will keep going and who knows what will happen?

“Arsenal still have to go to Old Trafford and they could clearly get a result.”

Benitez was stunned at his side’s defending. He added: “Arsenal only had four shots and scored four goals, and every single one was from our mistakes.”

Yet Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger promised Liverpool fans his side would go for it just as fiercely at Old Trafford — and paid tribute to hitman Arshavin.

Wenger said: “I have never seen such a brilliant display of goalscoring before. He scored with both feet, and showed great confidence and belief.

“He can play anywhere, and he brings such danger with him.

“What I will say to Liverpool is ‘Don’t worry’ because we will go to United and try to win. I think the title is still very open even now.”

Sadly for Gunners fans Arshavin is ineligible for the Champions League semi-final against United.

Arshavin, the first visitor to score four league goals at Anfield since Wolves’ Denis Westcott in 1946, said: “I’ve scored two hat-tricks before but never four in a game.”

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were at the thriller after meeting bank officials to start renegotiating terms of their £350million loan. They sat together in a clear show of solidarity.

The 4-4 draw cost bookies Paddy Power £500,000. They quoted the result at 500-1 and 537 punters cashed in.