Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Score, Highlights and Grades

Finally, Arsenal got their goal. And for good measure, they added a second in a huge 2-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

For the Gunners, the early-season worries can be put to rest, at least for one day. For the Reds, perhaps it's time to start panicking.

Liverpool looked the better team for much of the match, pressing Arsenal consistently and winning the possession battle. But the Liverpool forwards couldn't finish their chances, and truthfully, the midfield trio of Santi Cazorla, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta was the strongest unit on the pitch.

Podolski found the net in the first half after (who else?) Cazorla found him running to the left just inside the box. Podolski's finish beat Pepe Reina wide, and Arsenal had their first goal.

In the second half, Cazorla got one of his own, as his run to the left ended with a goal under the arm of Reina (which should have been saved) and much celebration for Arsenal fans.

For the Gunners, the early-season concerns are alleviated a bit by the team's five points. But Liverpool remains on just a single point, and certainly questions about depth in the attack will be asked often as this season progresses.

Let's take a look at the highlights and hand out some grades for this one.

Highlights

Grades

Santi Cazorla, Arsenal: A+

Once again, Cazorla was the best player on the pitch.

He assisted on Lukas Podolski's goal. He scored one of his own, albeit on a poor save attempt by Pepe Reina. He was a part of a fine midfield group that didn't control possession perhaps as much as Arsenal would like but was very crisp, controlled and creative in its passing.

If Andres Iniesta was the best player in Europe last year, then I think it's safe to say Cazorla might win the award for best summer transfer. Strikers may steal the headlines, but crafty midfielders are totally in vogue.

Olivier Giroud, Arsenal: C-

Once again, Giroud failed to capitalize on excellent scoring chances. At this point, it's obvious he's pressing.

On one, Diaby found him streaking toward the goal on the counterattack, and Giroud put the shot well wide. On another, he had a wide-open header off a corner and failed to put the ball on net. He should have scored at least once in this contest.

I have no issue with Giroud's movement, effort or football intelligence—all have been apparent (well, minus the crazy shot attempt last weekend when he should have passed the ball to Aaron Ramsey down the middle). But his touch and finishing have been suspect thus far. To me, it doesn't seem due to a lack of ability.

I just think he needs to relax on the pitch a bit. He'll be fine.

Luis Suarez: B-

Sometimes, you have to grade players against themselves rather than in comparison to everyone on the pitch. In that regard, Suarez doesn't earn the finest of marks.

As usual, he seemed to find space well and was a threatening force throughout. However, not much came from his threats, and whereas at his finest he would have created strong scoring chances, in this one he had the ball taken off his feet by defenders or his shot sailed. 

Not a bad game by Suarez, but certainly not his finest showing. Liverpool needed more from him.

Abou Diaby: A

It won't show up on the scoresheet, but Diaby was very effective box-to-box for Arsenal. He was solid against Liverpool's pressing attack, winning the ball back for the Gunners. He was a force in the counterattack, moving forward quickly with that striding pace of his.

And he was very, very calm and controlled on the ball. I was very pleased with Diaby today.

Fabio Borini: C 

He just wasn't a threat, not like he had the opportunity to be. Liverpool is thin in attack, so Borini has to be a factor for Brendan Rodgers this season.

Lukas Podolski: B+

Podolski wasn't a huge presence in this one, but he did score the Gunners' first goal of the season, so he gets high marks for that. I think he is going to prove a very fine signing for Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal Back Line: A+

If you had told me that Arsenal wouldn't score its first goal until the third game of the season after Robin van Persie's departure, I would have rolled my eyes but thought it was feasible enough.

But if you had told me that Arsenal would hold its first three opponents scoreless, well, I would have probably changed the subject because your footy knowledge was clearly lacking.

But after three games, the strength of this Arsenal team has been in its defense. While I don't think the clean sheets can remain this consistent, it's certainly a positive sign that even if Arsenal struggle at times to score goals, at least they'll keep things close. Perhaps this Gunners team is more complete and well-rounded than we all thought.

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