Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Villarreal

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VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Emmanuel Adebayor of Arsenal has an attempt on goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Villarreal and Arsenal at the Madrigal Stadium on April 7, 2009 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Jami

Arsenal managed to swerve momentum their way for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Villarreal, after a terrific Emmanuel Adebayor effort.

Arsenal were on the back foot for most of the first half and injuries were playing a major part.

Arsenal saw keeper Manuel Almunia and defender William Gallas substituted in th opening term but they held on for a defiant draw.

Manuel Almunia

N/A

Was the first soldier of the night to join the seemingly never-ending Arsenal injury list. Picked up what looked to be an ankle injury early in the game and was never really settled after that.

Bacary Sagna

A sound peformance from the Frenchman. Looked relatively untroubled down the right hand side, though on a few occasions he looked a bit nervy.

He always made himself available in attack but was either impressive or atrousious.

Kolo Toure

Confident and strong in the air and on the ground, but was nervy in the opening stages. Saved a certain goal deep in the second half.

William Gallas

An impressive peformance before Song ensured he spent the rest of the game in the dressing room. Showed strength, power, and maturity at the back.

Gael Clichy

6.5

A solid effort. Tried his best and often succeeded in defence. A few anxious moments but no glaring mistakes from the Frenchman.

Theo Walcott

6.5

His first touch was off but he did create half chances and was one of the few dominant attackers for Arsenal.

Cesc Fabregas

7.5

Everything attacking from Arsenal went through their Spanish maestro. Beautiful ball to assist Adebayor's stunning effort.

Alexandre Song

He constantly tried to get involved but on too many occasions his passes went astray. Too lazy and clueless in defence, and he managed to injure his own player.

Denilson

6
A quiet performance from the Brazilian. Did not make any errors and his passing looked intact.

Samir Nasri

Due to the 4-5-1 formation he did not see as much of the ball as you would have hoped. Did look dangerous at times but his passing lacked direction.

Emmanuel Adebayor

A sensational bicycle kick effort ensured Arsenal drew level. A bit lazy at times but when he was in the zone there was no stopping Adebayor.

Lukaz Fabianksi

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia of Arsenal is substituted during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Villarreal and Arsenal at the Madrigal Stadium on April 7, 2009 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Jasp

He probably did not expect to play but thanks to an Almunia injury the Polish keeper made his third Champions League appearance. The youngster did not dissapoint, made two goal bound saves and never looked like conceding.