Arsenal faced Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night in a crucial Premier League Game. Both teams came into the game needing a good result. The Gunners came into the game top of the table and needing to keep the pressure on their rivals. Liverpool, on the other needed to improve on their inconsistent form.
The first half was anything but boring. Liverpool pressed and hurried Arsenal, leading to a 10th minute goal from Roberto Firmino. Although Arsenal looked shell-shocked, Aaron Ramsey then equalised after a good pass from Joel Campbell.
Liverpool, however, then regained the lead after a Firmino scored with a superb strike from outside of the box. In pattern with the game, Olivier Giroud equalised for the Gunners from the corner, leaving the score at 2-2 as the teams went in for half-time.
After half-time the game settled and it was Arsenal who scored first with Giroud slotting home Arsenal’s third goal in the 55th minute. After countless pressure, Joe Allen salvaged a point for Liverpool with a smart finish in the 90th minute.
Petr Cech: 6/10
After a shaky start, the tall Czech had a relatively average game in goal. The Arsenal keeper should’ve done better for the first goal. Although he did get a hand to the third goal, the Cech didn’t have as a good a game as he usually does.
Hector Bellerin: 6/10
A quiet game for Bellerin going forward and it wasn’t his best defensive game either. The Spaniard didn’t offer a threat going forward and had a tough game in defence.
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5/10
Arsenal had to do a lot of defending in the second half, and Koscielny played a key role in his partnership with Per Mertesacker. The Frenchman got better as the game wore on and dealt with many a Liverpool onslaught.
Per Mertesacker: 8.5/10
The leader of a dogged Arsenal defensive performance. The tall German had arguably one of his best games in recent memory for the club. Although Arsenal conceded three goals, Mertescaker provided a key block on Adam Lallana’s shot in the second half.
Nacho Monreal: 7/10
The Spaniard had a another solid game in defence. Despite Arsenal conceding three goals, Monreal had a solid game and shut down many attacks down his side.
Aaron Ramsey: 7/10
A classic Aaron Ramsey game. The Welshman was not at his best, but still came up with the essential goal to bring Arsenal level. He didn’t pass particularly well either, but in a game like this, he was essential in providing his energy from midfield.
Matthieu Flamini: 6/10
In a fast paced game, Flamini played a relatively quiet role. He did at times come up with some important tackles, but overall didn’t impose his usual toughness on the game.
Joel Campbell: 9.5/10
The Costa Rican had another great performance for the Gunners. He provided the crucial pass for Arsenal’s first and third goals but also worked tirelessly on the wing. His work rate was exceptional and he was one of Arsenal’s best performers on the night.
His best performance for the club.
Theo Walcott: 6/10
The speedy winger didn’t really show much going forward. Walcott never really got into the game, but he did work hard off the ball.
Mesut Ozil: 6.5/10
Probably the talented German’s worst game for quite some time. Ozil didn’t really get into a game that was incredibly high-paced. He used a lot of energy off the ball which probably affected his quality when he did the get the ball.
Olivier Giroud: 10/10 (Man of the Match)
The best performer on the pitch. Olivier Giroud was a part of all three goals. He provided the header for Campbell to pass to Ramsey, and scored Arsenal’s other two. His second goal was the best. Giroud controlled the ball in the box, turned and slotted a great shot in the bottom corner.
After scoring twice, he will probably be disappointed not to have gained three points for the club.
Substitutes
Kieran Gibbs: 5/10
Came on late in the game to secure the result, but hardly added to the game.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 5/10
Was brought on to provide a counter-attacking threat, but didn’t really create much. He showed glimpses, but still looks short of confidence.