How Arsenal players fared against Liverpool at Anfield – my ratings

Here are my Arsenal player ratings from today’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield (feel free to argue or agree with me):

Vito Mannone – Had a fairly comfortable afternoon in goal for The Gunners. Pulled off a wonderful save late in the second half. Looked a little nervous when Liverpool whipped balls into the area, but dealt with what was thrown at him. Another clean-sheet for the young Italian. 7/10

Carl Jenkinson – Misplaced one or two passes early on but found his feet as the game went on. Was defensively solid and kept Raheem Sterling quiet. Got stuck in and was positioned well throughout. Growing with confidence which is great to see. 8/10

Thomas Vermaelen – Yet another solid performance from the Belgian defender. Worked his socks off, cleared a certain goal off the line after Mannone fumbled and got forward well as well. Was subbed in the 90th minute after a challenge from Steven Gerrard. 8.5/10

Per Mertesacker – A lot of people were worried to see the German start against Luis Suarez, but proved his critics wrong. Got booked early on but was positioned superbly, intercepted well and made some vital challenges throughout the 90. 8.5/10

Kieran Gibbs – Got forward brilliantly, providing an overlap and another option for the forwards, and moved the ball around neatly. Definitely first-choice left-back, just needs to stay fit. 8/10

Mikel Arteta – Doesn’t get enough credit or recognition for what he does for the side. Kept things nice and tidy in midfield, got stuck in and tracked back well. Got booked, but another tenacious performance from the 30-year-old. 8/10

Abou Diaby – Probably the best I’ve seen him play in a very, very long time, and I’m not a fan of him! Made some powerful runs forward, displayed his skill and moved the ball around nicely. Hopefully he can replicate this performance for the next 35 games of the season. 8.5/10

Santi Cazorla – Great movement throughout from the little Spaniard. Shifted the ball around superbly and always threatened when he pushed forward. Created Arsenal’s first goal after playing a lovely through pass to Lukas Podolski. 8.5/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Done alright, but I’ve seen him perform much better. Did well defensively, covering Jenkinson when he got forward, but lacked the cutting edge today. 6.5/10

Lukas Podolski – Scored Arsenal’s first goal of the new season then set up the team’s second after playing a lovely one-two with Cazorla. Was always a threat and showed why Arsene Wenger brought him in this summer. Quality performance. 9/10

Olivier Giroud – Didn’t see a lot of the ball, but hassled Liverpool’s back-line well. Won a few headers and held up the ball adequately. Perhaps should’ve scored a goal but its encouraging to see the Frenchman get in goal-scoring positions. 7/10

Subs:

Aaron Ramsey – Came on for ‘The Ox’ on the 73rd minute. Held the ball up nicely, movement was good and found space effortlessly. 6/10

Andre Santos – Came on for Podolski in the 82nd minute. Touched the ball a few times. 5/10

Laurent Koscielny – Replaced Vermaelen in the dying minutes of the game. Touched the ball a handful of times, but good to see ‘The Boss’ back. 5/10

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