Arsenal Player Ratings Vs. Liverpool:1-1:

Arsenal hopes of continuing their pre season form and galloping off to the same approach as last season were squandered by a 10 men Liverpool outfit in the Gunners first encounter for 2010/2011. In what was a scrappy, mostly uneventful affair Arsene Wenger's men, who were without a number of key figures, lacked their usual pace, flair and vigour. 

Despite controlling most of the first half play it was Liverpool who opened the scoring through a scintillating strike from stand in striker David N'Gog. This came largely on the back of play after moments before the first half was set to close, Liverpool débutante Joe Cole, who joined the Reds from Chelsea during the Summer, was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Arsenal débutante, who would also be given a early shower too. Cole's challenge was ugly but many felt referee Martin Atkinson was too harsh to brandish a straight red.

The dismissal of Liverpool sparked a passage of dominance in the second half and it seemed certain new manager Roy Hodgson was destined to receive his first Premier League win with Liverpool before keeper Jose Reina failed to dislodge a Tomas Rosicky cross which new striker Marouane Chamakh had managed to sneak in thanks to the gloves of Reina.

Arsenal will walk away from the thrilling encounter feeling a little lucky in a game which could have easily been lost for the Red and White. Albeit the Gunners were without midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas and the likes of Robin van Persie and Alexandre Song were unable to start due to fitness. 

However there were promising signs for the Gunners and once the key presences are reinstated into the Arsenal line up it should start to light up for Wenger and his men.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:5.5: Despite making a few strong saves, the Spaniard is still a worry. Atrocious when defending corners, failing to decide whether to come forward or stay. It is unlikely he will remain at the fron t of the helm for much longer.

Bacary Sagna:6: The Frenchman was strong and commanding when defending down the right flank but in attack is the main culprit for awful crosses. 

Laurent Koscienly:6.5: A solid début even if it ended with a dubious red. Showed impressive speed and control when defending as well as boasting good strength. Looks destined to string up a imposing partnership with Thomas Vermaelen.

Thomas Vermaelen:6: The usual all action defending but was slow off the mark to prevent N'gog from scoring. None the less the Belgium does look set to carry the defence.

Gael Clichy:5: Poor from the pacey Frenchman. Tormented by Dirk Kuyt and could of easily been the culprit for many goals had Liverpool pursued in putting them away. Did contribute credibly in attack.

Abou Diaby:5: Was forced to take up the more defensive midfield role in Alexandre Song's absence. Failed to make his grand presence felt and was often missing in both defence and attack. Substituted late on.

Jack Wilshere:5.5: A tidy first Premier League start. Held the ball solidly and always looked lively but worked with no real reward. Gave the ball away which lead to the Liverpool goal too.

Samir Nasri:7: Orchestrated and conducted the Arsenal attack viciously and was forced to take up twice the workload in Cesc Fabregas's absence. Performed well and was threatening on occasion but no real reward.

Emmanuel Eboue:6: Dangerous down the right flank but to often goes looking for a foul. The Ivorian provided easy width as well as relatively accurate crosses and was maybe a tad unlucky to be substituted.

Andrei Arshavin:5: Lacklustre. Arsenal required more from their Russian dynamo who was lazy and anonymous to often. Was lively for small periods but needed to offer more. 

Marouane Chamakh:6: Contained well by the doughty Liverpool defence but did provide a good target for the Arsenal midfield. Also was easy on the eye when the ball was at his feet and looks a talented prospect.

Substitutes

Theo Walcott:6: Dangerous when he was introduced but just couldn't quite find his feet and was clumsy at times.

Tomas Rosicky:7: Sparked up the Arsenal attack with ease and was unlucky not to find the score sheet. A number of superb balls and moves which enable Arsenal to sneak home a draw. Forced fans to ponder why he didn't start.

Robin van Persie:N/A: Short cameo which lacked fitness but should improve in the coming weeks.