Breathless, infuriating, frenetic, enthralling. Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Liverpool was one of the Premier League's most exciting games this season. And will cause alarm for Gooners everywhere.
Wojciech Szczesny – 5 - Was unlucky with the two goals. But this was a poor display from the Pole. His attempts at a Johan Cruyff turn should have been punished by Daniel Sturridge, and he flapped at a corner, only for Daniel Agger to have his effort cleared off the line.
Bacary Sagna – 5 - His error started the domino effect that led to the opening goal, and the Frenchman was moribund in the first half. Dovetailed well with Theo Walcott in the 2nd half, but was always vulnerable defensively. Can no longer be relied upon as a solid presence at the back.
Per Mertesacker – 4 - Possibly his worst display in an Arsenal shirt. Rather than look experienced, he looked slow. Rather than be a calm presence, he was a lethargic one. His feeble attempt to block Luis Suarez's shot for Liverpool's first goal was only superseded by his pathetic tackle on Jordan Henderson for their second.
Thomas Vermaelen – 5 - His poor clearance was part of the hat-trick of incompetence that begat Luis Suarez's goal. While better equipped to deal with the pace and movement of Suarez and Sturridge, he played like a callow youth - all energy and no brains - rather than the leader that Arsenal need in defence.
Kieran Gibbs – 6 - The best member of Arsenal's defence in the first half, but that's not saying much. Had to depart after 37 minutes with a thigh strain, and will be out for three weeks. And with Gibbs' injury history, he could be out for even longer.
Aaron Ramsey – 6 - Looks more comfortable playing in the centre, and has proven himself to be an able deputy in the absence of Mikel Arteta. But he lacks the Spaniard's defensive discipline, leaving the back four exposed. However, he passed the ball well, comfortably having more touches than any other Arsenal player (135).
Jack Wilshere – 7 - Clearly had a huge bullseye on his chest, evinced by him being fouled in the first minute. Liverpool's diligent pressing kept Wilshere away from the final third for most of the first half. But he was a dominant presence in the second, instigating dangerous transitions, and passing the ball superbly. Probably Arsenal's key man at the moment.
Santi Cazorla – 6 - Had an appalling first half. But Cazorla has a strong heart, and didn't allow his head to drop. Still not at his best in the second 45 minutes, but played an important role in Walcott's equaliser. And it shouldn't be overlooked than he ran himself into the ground, closing the ball down when Liverpool had possession.
Theo Walcott – 7 - Looked to have left his shooting boots at home after missing two chances that he should have scored with. But he was a lively presence throughout, and produced a dynamite finish to grab a point for the Gunners. It shows how highly Walcott's regarded by opponents these days that Jose Enrique was brought on to double up on him - Chelsea had to do the same two weekends ago.
Olivier Giroud - 6 - He found it tough going against Agger and Jamie Carragher, often failing to hold the ball up. But Giroud seems to be another who has a bloody-mindedness about him. After missing a good chance, he kept a cool head to bring Arsenal back into the match, before setting up Walcott's equaliser with a delightful touch.
Lukas Podolski – 6 - Has been in good form, so it was rather odd to see his usual goal threat being pretty negligible, but he made a crucial goalline clearance with the score at 0-1. He also did well in the role of provider from the left-hand side. Two fine crosses from the left deserved better finishes from Walcott and Giroud.
SUBS
Andre Santos – 5 - Personally I was reaching for the heart pills when the Brazilian was summoned from the bench. But while his defending was far from good enough for Henderson's goal, he had a largely error-free game. That is, until he inexplicably gave the ball away in the last minute of stoppage-time, almost gifting Liverpool the points. And while his confidence may be shot, Arsenal can't afford to spend time rebuilding it.
Frankly, I'm loathe to give Arsenal credit for getting something from the match. It'd be like giving someone credit for promptly paying a fine after being caught speeding. Arsenal have been gifting sides leads too often this season, and this match was the nadir. It may be a point, but Spurs drew, and Everton won. 2-2 against Liverpool is not a good result.
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