Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Liverpool, 1-0

It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Arsene Wenger and his men. Depressing performance against Chelsea and Manchester United ensured that Arsenal slid from top of the table into third position, and fans were losing faith.

A huge encounter against Liverpool arose, and if the Gunners failed to win, then all of a sudden fans become increasingly unfaithful and edgy, and the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Manchester City begin chasing a top four berth.

But after a goalless and dull first half, the tempo suddenly began to rise, chances became evident, and then finally in the 72nd minute, Arsenal broke the deadlock through a sublime header by Abou Diaby. The build up play had been terrific, and Arsenal had always looked hungry for the goal. Arsenal then held on well to contain Liverpool and snare all three points and maybe just get their title aspirations back on track.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:7:  Not the most eventful, but when the Spaniard was needed he performed. A few crucial saves and all in all a strong showing.

Emmanuel Eboue:7: Not as solid as Bacary Sagna, but the Ivorian does have the tendency to be a beast when going forward. Did contribute with some strong tackles and interceptions.

William Gallas:8: A strong, experienced performance from Gallas. Made a goal saving tackle on David Ngog and rarely looked like he was getting beaten.

Thomas Vermaelen:7.5: Showed the attributes of a centre forward when going forward and worked well with Gallas to ensure Liverpool couldn't breakthrough.

Gael Clichy:6.5: Looked nothing like the frail defender who struggled against Chelsea and Manchester United. Still at little nervy when clearing and passing, but a solid effort.

Alexandre Song:7.5: A rock in the middle cutting down the Liverpool attack with ease. Also a great contributor to the attack with his strength and power. So smooth when next to Diaby—they look like brothers. 

Cesc Fabregas:6.5:

Abou Diaby:8: A superb header to ensure the three points for the Gunners. The Frenchman was also dangerous at times with the ball, but his passing tended to be a little astray.

Samir Nasri:N/A: Picked up a blow to the head early on and never looked settled after that. Substituted in the first half.

Andrei Arshavin:7: A little slow to start with for the Russian, but as the game wore on, he began to come to life creating chances. Missed a great chance when Clichy swung in a cross.

Nicklas Bendtner:7: His efforts were incredibly vital despite some poor finishing. Always a threat with the ball despite the odd dive and held the ball up and allow Arsenal to find a rhythm. Involved heavily in the goal too.

Substitutes

Tomas Rosicky:7: A sensational cross allowed Diaby to find the winner. Apart from that, he was a little lacklustre, scuffing some clear cut chances. Did pass and move well, though. 

Theo Walcott:6: Provided fresh legs off the bench, and although he was a little clumsy with the ball, he did spark a few things.

Bacary Sagna:N/A: