Arsenal [ Images ] and Liverpool drew 1-1 for the third time this season on Saturday as the London [ Images ] side's Premier League title hopes suffered another blow.

After the midweek draw between the sides at the Emirates gave Liverpool a slight advantage in their Champions League [ Images ] quarter-final, Arsenal could now end the weekend eight points behind league leaders Manchester United [ Images ] with five games left.

Liverpool gained a deserved first-half lead through Peter Crouch's firm finish after 42 minutes. Arsenal drew level early in the second half when Nicklas Bendtner [ Images ] powered a header past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina [ Images ].

Both sides had chances to claim all three points in the closing stages but the points were shared to strengthen Liverpool's hold on fourth place.

Arsenal moved above Chelsea [ Images ] on goal difference into second place with 71 points but Chelsea will reclaim that place if they beat Manchester City [ Images ] later on Saturday.

Manchester United, who have 76 points, play Middlesbrough on Sunday.