Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish were involved in a furious touchline bust-up yesterday as Arsenal's title hopes suffered a serious setback in extraordinary scenes at the Emirates.
The Liverpool manager clearly swore back at Wenger after the Arsenal boss complained about a blatant penalty which saw the visitors equalise 12 minutes into stoppage time.
Row: Kenny Dalglish (right) responds to Arsene Wenger's complaints
The fourth official had indicated a minimum of eight minutes' stoppage time after Jamie Carragher had received lengthy treatment for a nasty head injury.
The ensuing moments may have handed the Barclays Premier League trophy to Manchester United. Arsenal looked to have kept their championship dream alive through Robin van Persie's penalty six minutes into stoppage time.
But Emmanuel Eboue's challenge on Lucas two minutes later allowed Dirk Kuyt to steal an astonishing point for Liverpool in the 102nd minute.
Flying Dutchman: Dirk Kuyt celebrates the 102nd minute equaliser
It was Andre Marriner's decision to point to the spot that sparked the row between Dalglish and Wenger - who was adamant the referee had got it wrong.
But both managers were eager to play down the episode last night. Wenger said: 'I said to Dalglish it was not a penalty. That was all, you can check it on the TV.
'We conceded a penalty after 11 minutes, when the referee said there was eight minutes of injury time. I don't see where those three minutes came from.
Angry: Wenger casts a glance at Lucas (left), who won the penalty
'Lucas stopped in front of Eboue. There was no intervention from Eboue. It was no penalty.'
Dalglish insisted: 'I don't want to repeat what was said. I don't know why a conversation between managers on the bench is of any relevance after a game like that.'
Defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday will virtually end the Gunners' hopes of overtaking Manchester United at the Barclays Premier League summit. 'We have to win the next game,' admitted Wenger.
All or nothing: Wenger admits his side must beat Tottenham on Wednesday
'The players are very disappointed. Who wouldn't be? It's about us winning our games. We are on a 15-game unbeaten run but we have not taken enough points recently.'
Dalglish was in a buoyant mood, despite Liverpool still lying seven points from the top four.
'I don't think there's any team anywhere that's shown the same attitude and commitment that our team showed there today,' he said.
'Eight minutes into injury time they still didn't want to accept that we're going to get nothing from the game. You can't speak any higher about them than that.'
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