A horrendous first half performance from Arsenal ensured Liverpool beat them before half time. Read player ratings from the 5-1 defeat at Anfield here.
Wojciech Szczesny – 6/10
Was not at fault for any of the goals, but so clinical was Liverpool’s finishing that he hardly had to make any saves either in the first half.
Prevented Raheem Sterling from scoring his hat-trick by standing his ground well.
Per Mertesacker – 3/10
Per Mertesacker set the tone for today’s Arsenal performance with a lax start to proceedings, failing to notice Luis Suarez closing on the ball and fouling the Uruguayan. The free kick led to Martin Skrtel’s goal in the opening minute, and neither Mertesacker or his team recovered.
Quite possibly the German’s worst ever game in an Arsenal shirt.
Laurent Koscielny – 5/10
Laurent Koscielny has worked tremendously well with Per Mertesacker this season, but like so many Arsenal players his head seemed to go upon his team conceding early.
Koscielny tried to rally his troops, but the Gunners back line was in disarray, while the Liverpool forwards swarmed forward like an army of wasps.
Bacary Sagna – 4/10
Bacary Sagna’s contract decision may have just been made for him. The Gunners’ right back may have been waiting to see if his team can genuinely challenge for trophies this season, but performances like today’s showed the north London outfit may be the same as ever.
Sagna showed heart, but the Frenchman failed to deal with the threat on his flank too, and was as culpable as the rest.
Nacho Monreal – 3/10
Nacho Monreal was clearly targeted as a weak point in the Arsenal side, with Liverpool converging on him and playing the ball into the space vacated behind him.
Monreal received little support, but the Spain international played in incredibly naive fashion, and Kieran Gibbs’ return cannot come soon enough for Arsene Wenger.
COMMENTS