Well! Well! Now this is something which Arsene Wenger would not have wanted. After registering back to back victories against Newcastle and Galatasaray, the Gunners went down to conquer Anfield. However, things just did not click for them till the end. Although, they did seem to get the better of the Reds in the second half, nonetheless, the hosts had the grip of the game most of the time. Mathieu Debuchy’s strike for goal towards the end of the first 45 minutes and the 64th minute shot on goal by Giroud, were moments of stupendous comebacks by the Gunners.
However, despite these match winning flicks, it was simply not Arsenal’s day! Rodgers’ men, on the contrary, put up one of their best shows last night, post their win against Tottenham in August. The final minute equaliser by Martin Skrtel, snatched the game away from Arsenal’s bag. As the game came to a close on 2-2, here is our take on the Gunners’ performance against the Reds.
Wojciech Szczesny (7.5/10): The Polish goalkeeper performed quite well last night. He made some great saves throughout the match especially in the later half. Overall solid in his approach, despite near misses of Coutinho and Skrtel’s shots.
Mathieu Debuchy (7.5/10): The French right back performed exceptionally well. Arsenal made a brilliant comeback towards the end of the first half courtesy a beautiful header from Debuchy. He seemed to be on the charge and turned out to be the most assured defender for the Gunners.
Calum Chambers (5.5/10): Just one word for the centre back- Imperfect. He made his way back to the squad after a suspension. He seemed to struggle throughout the game, particularly the surging maneuvers of Lazar Marković.
Per Mertesacker (5/10): The German center back had a rather disappointing show last night. He seemed to be lagging all over. In addition, he seemed to be horrendously off balanced and exasperating at clearances. Overall, a performance below par from the experienced German.
Kieran Gibbs (6.5/10): The Englishman featured at the left as usual. He was rather ordinary and nothing exceptional. Altogether, he put up a good and disciplined show of defence.
Mathieu Flamini (6/10): Flamini was decent enough in the middle of the park. Although he rushed forward at the onset of the first half, however, he never steered clear of the ball. Despite picking up a yellow card for scything down Philippe Coutinho, the Frenchman played his role quite well.
Danny Welbeck (5.5/10): The Englishman had a rather mediocre day on the field. He seemed quite offbeat from his regular pace. His perseverance was very much evident, however, more action and adventure was expected of him.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (7/10): The Ox was perhaps one of the better players of the night. Although he did not appear to be in full fitness, nonetheless, he did provide some ready boost to his side. He made a some really good interceptions and tackles until he was called off late on.
Santi Cazorla (7/10): The Spaniard did not have much to do in the first half. But, he displayed great creativity and class in the second half. He was very instrumental in setting up the cross which led to Arsenal’s second goal.
Alexis Sanchez (5/10): The Chilean has shown world class form throughout the Premier League campaign this season, but was very much off sync last night. All in all, a very ordinary performance from the skillful striker.
Olivier Giroud (7.5/10): Certainly a game changer, however, struggled to find initial momentum in the first half. The experienced French provided a much needed lead to the Gunners in the second half. Although, the goal was equalized by Skrtel at the nick of the last minute, nevertheless, his efforts cannot be underestimated by any means. Deserves an ovation.