Arsenal's title bid fades after another draw

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal and Liverpool drew 1-1 for the third time this season on Saturday in a further blow to the London side's Premier League title hopes.

Peter Crouch fired Liverpool ahead shortly before halftime and, although Nicklas Bendtner headed in an equaliser after the break, Arsenal's chase after league leaders Manchester United now looks forlorn.

Chelsea are more realistic challengers to United's crown after moving three points clear of Arsenal into second place with a comfortable 2-0 win at Manchester City.

A Richard Dunne own goal and Salomon Kalou's second-half effort were enough for Avram Grant's side to notch their 11th away league win of the season and put them two points behind United who play at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Arsenal and Liverpool both made changes to their starting line-ups after Wednesday's 1-1 draw in the Champions League quarter-final, first leg at the Emirates, a result that made Liverpool slight favourites to go through.

Peter Crouch was given a rare start by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez who opted to leave Fernando Torres on the bench and the tall England striker had an impressive game.

He forced Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia into an athletic save in the opening exchanges and then played in John Arne Riise but the Norwegian failed to hit the target.

Bendtner, who played for Arsenal in place of top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, wasted a good chance for Arsenal before Crouch struck to put Liverpool in front after escaping the attention of William Gallas and driving a shot past Almunia.