[Player Ratings] Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal: How The Players Rated….

To any Liverpool fans reading this, i’m an Arsenal fan and write about Arsenal here on Football Talk so make no apologies for my biased views! 

Lets be honest, Liverpool were by far the better side today and dominated the game for long periods. But Arsenal held firm, rode their luck and snatched all three points with a late winner from Robin van Persie.

The Gunners were a far cry from the side that demolished Spurs last week. We were well below par and could hardly string two passes together in the first half. Liverpool deserved their lead but with RVP in the side, we always have a chance. His winning goal was top drawer, but credit should also go to Song for the pass. Superb.

This is a huge win and combined with Chelsea losing to West Brom this afternoon, leaves Arsenal three points clear in fourth and now only four points off the Spuds in third. It also leaves Liverpool ten points behind us, so Champions League football looks highly unlikely for them next season.

Here are my player ratings from the game:

Arsenal Player Ratings

Szczesny – 8.5 – Several good stops including saving Kuyt’s penalty and subsequent follow-up and an excellent finger-tip save to deny Suarez.

Sagna – 7.5 – Superb cross to set up Van Persie for the equaliser and was Arsenal’s best defender today.

Vermaelen – 7 – Strong presence at the back and dealt with most of what Liverpool could throw at the Gunners.

Koscielny – 6 – Not at his best today. Scored an own goal and gave away a couple of needless dangerous free kicks. Suarez got the better of him a few times as well.

Gibbs – 6.5 – Looks to be getting back to somewhere near his best, but went missing to let Henderson free to cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s opener.

Song – 8 – Another stunning assist for RVP’s winner, and a great all-round performance from Song.

Arteta – 6 – Was well below par before being stretchered off after colliding with Henderson.

Rosicky – 6 – Not up to the high standards set last week. Liverpool dominated the midfield meaning Rosicky couldn’t really influence things.

Walcott – 5.5 – Did well to get a shot off in the first half that forced a good save from Reina but it was all down hill from there. Couldn’t really get into the game but did see a second half shot blocked.

Benayoun – 5 – Hardly saw the ball and just couldn’t get himself in the game. Subbed.

Van Persie – 9 – Saw little of the ball but when he did, he was devastating. That’s the sign of a quality striker. Another brace and the winner was superb.

SUBS:

Gervinho – 5 – Made little impact during his time on the pitch.

Diaby – 6 – Showed a nice piece of skill to get some space to get a shot off, that was easily saved, but then had to be replaced late on. Hopefully he hasn’t picked up another injury.

Chamberlain – 5 – Came on in a more central position but gave the ball away carelessly a couple of times. Little time to impress though.

In the interest of being fair, i’ll give my Liverpool ratings as well:

Liverpool players ratings: Reina (7), Kelly (6), Carragher (5), Skrtel (7), Enrique (7), Adam (7), Henderson (6.5), Spearing (6), Downing (7), Kuyt (7), Suarez (8).