Arsenal vs Liverpool 5/04/08: Ratings & Analysis

Arsenal:

Almunia- (7)- Good save from Crouch early on, had more to do today than in midweek and personally think he did well.

Hoyte- (6)- First impressions will show that he is not ready for the big games. But i think he did well considering the united and spurs game which he did not perform well.

Toure- (7)- Think he did well even though he was beaten repeatedly by Crouch.

Gallas- (7)- Same as Toure really.

Traore- (6)- Same as Hoyte really.

Gilberto- (8)- Think he was fab today. Won many balls in midfield and passed it well. Best performance this season from him really considering he hardly played.

Eboue- (6)- Better at right back but again wasteful when in advanced positions. Reminds me a bit of Jose Reyes, end product often lacking.

Fabregas- (5)- Rated 5 because he sets the standards really, and he didn't match that today, looked tired and jaded. For once lost his cool and composure today.

Flamini- (6)- Jaded near the end. But have got to admire his energy and will to win. Was not easy to play today considering the lack of movement up front and Liverpool's defending

Walcott- (6)- Some bright spells, but again, a little lacking in the end product department. Needs a lot more games in my opinion.

Bendtner- (6)- Well taken goal, I love the fact that he is so confident, but still inexperienced and need time to develop in my opinion.

Subs-

Adebayor- (6)- Worked the Liverpool defence well. But just lacked that spark to create I think.

Clichy- (6)- Glad he came on as I think he is essential for Arsenal's attacks. Tried his hardest really.

Hleb- (6)- That touch near the end..SHOCKING! But I am not one of those who like to blame my players. Pressure got to him I think.

Liverpool:

Reina- (6)- At fault for goal. Still no clean sheet against Arsenal.

Finnan- (7)- Always thought he was one of the best in the business. Solid today especially first half and used the ball well.

Arbeloa- (7)- Same with Finnan.

Carragher- (8)- Such a rock at the back no matter where he plays. Block after block and just led his line so well. Can always expect a good defensive display when he is in your team.

Skrtel- (6)- Think he needs to improve in his reading of the game and positioning. Allowed a few long balls head to the forwards without pressuring them and shutting the pass out.

Plessis- (7)- Admirable composure since this was his debut. Strong in the tackle, tidy passing. Good talent.

Lucas- (7)- Good passing, sees passes early and has got good feet. Naughty tug of the Fabregas's shirt though. Worked hard to stifle Arsenal's midfield. Supported Crouch well.

Pennant- (6)- Gave silly free kick away for Arsenal's goal, and did not produce what was expected of him which was to whip crosses in and work the right flank.

Benayoun- (7)- Again worked hard to win balls in midfield and closed off Arsenal's angles for passes. Not as creative as usual even though he kept the ball and supported well.

Crouch- (8)- Different class today. Won countless balls in the air and good touch and skill for the goal. If Torres scored that every pundit would have been creaming about it. Man of the match performance really.

Subs-

Gerrard- (7)- Came on when Arsenal were beginning to leave space behind. Sees forward passes quicker than anyone else in Liverpool.

Torres- (6)- Needed time to get into the game and wasn't given enough time. Wasted a couple of good situation but again his pace and movement is great for counter-attacking. Always working the centre-backs.

Voronin- (5)- Wasted one great chance and one good chance.

Game Play:

Draw was pretty much the right result. Arsenal were suspect of wasting good situations especially with Eboue, Bendtner and even Fabregas. Liverpool worked well to stop Arsenal's passing, have to say though Arsenal just weren't at it today particularly the first half. Fatigue to key players is one of the reasons, lack of good back up players is another. Both sides had chances to win the game but Liverpool always looked threatening despite Arsenal throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Liverpool. Not as good a game technically as wednesday's.

Tactics:

Wenger should have put 2 up front a lot earlier. I understand that he is cautious over Liverpool's attack and wanted stability but Bendtner was not useful on the wing and Adebayor lacked support. Liverpool played it just about right, with Benayoun and Lucas always joing Crouch in attack and winning the second balls. Senderos could have started today to at least match 3/4 of Crouch's height but I think Wenger was looking for mobility for the second balls more than actually challenging in the air. Different from Wednesday was the fact that Liverpool looked a lot more threatening up front with Crouch. Again, tactically fantastic by Rafa i think. Seems like he has found a way to play against Wenger.

In my opinion the title is now out of reach for Arsenal and today's game took a lot out of the players again having to come back and chase the game. Tuesday looks like a daunting task now.