Cole was red-carded for a lunge on Laurent Koscielny before David Ngog's driven shot put Liverpool ahead.

BBC: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Cole received the first red card of his career for his tackle on Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny and Hodgson defended his player, insisting the challenge looked worse than it was.

BBC: Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson backs Pepe Reina after error

Reina had produced two key earlier saves to help maintain Liverpool's lead as the Reds had defended with discipline and determination to neutralise Arsenal after Cole had received the first red card of his career.

BBC: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Picnic tables will groan underneath the weight of piles of cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, fresh tomatoes out of the garden and spectacularly decorated red, white and blue cupcakes.

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