Arsenal ran out emphatic 4-1 winners in this afternoon’s lunchtime encounter with Brendan Rodger’s side, to move up to 2nd in the league table 2 points above Manchester City. The result leaves the reds 8 points adrift of a top 4 spot and a lot of ground to make up.
The performance of Arsene Wenger’s team was a energetic, ruthless and aggressive, and I take great pleasure in passing individual judgement on each of the players displays.
David Ospina – 7
The Columbian put in another assured display and did very little wrong today between the sticks. My only quell was his failed penalty save, which he somehow let past him despite the huge palm he managed to get from Jordan Henderson’s spot kick.
Beyond that though, he was commanding as always and looked like he had every Liverpool effort covered, had they been on target.
Hector Bellerin – 8
The young Spaniard had a great game full of energy and drive, which was evident in the build up to his goal and the quality of it itself. What marred his day was the late challenge he made on Raheem Sterling, to conceded the penalty which cancelled out Arsenal’s clean sheet.
Per Mertesacker – 7
The German didn’t do a lot wrong either despite looking like he’d always be second best, to Sterling in the first half. The captain of the day was calm on the ball and did the simple things.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Koscielny also looked second best to Liverpool’s attacks in the first 45 minutes but did his job convincingly throughout, despite the initial threats apposed by the opposition.
Nacho Monreal – 8
Monreal has grown from strength to strength this season, from a defensive perspective especially. He was equal to every Liverpool attack from his side. I remember how well he covered the ball to dispossess Daniel Sturridge on one occasion in the 2nd half too.
Francis Coquelin – 7
As always the Frenchman protected his defenders well enough especially in the second half.
Santi Cazorla – 7
The Spaniard kept the side ticking over with some great energy from the midfield, Could’ve scored the 4th in the second half as well.
Aaron Ramsey – 6.5
The Welshman was oddly used on the right wing today and wasn’t as effective as he is in the middle. He did assist Bellerin for his goal but it’s not a position he is meant to play. Had a chance to put the side 1-0 up in the first 10 minutes as well.
Mesut Ozil – 9 (Man of the Match)
The German was outstanding to watch today. Despite a few banana skins in the second half, where he gave the ball away and failed to take the ball under his control at times, he was unplayable. His terrific free-kick goal was a testament to his genius, always involved in Arsenal’s attacks and never shying away. Man of the match.
Alexis Sanchez – 8
Sanchez arguably Arsenal’s best player in the squad, was magestic and electrifying today. Such a contrast to the man who played at Anfield in December. He hunted players down without stopping and caused some real nerves in Liverpool’s defence. His goal was powerful and ruthless and he’ll be happy to be back to scoring ways.
Ran Ozil close for Man of the match.
Olivier Giroud – 7
The in-form Frenchman found himself on the scoresheet again this afternoon to make it 10 goals in 10 matches. He has 18 goals this season now, 14 of those coming in the league and looked as sharp as ever with the ball. He is unstoppable at the moment.
Subs:
Gabriel  – 6
Did his job to shut out Liverpool although was well protected midfield alongside Mertesacker.
Danny Welbeck – 6
The England man was enthusiastic when on the ball and regained possession for his team well, with power and skill. Needs to be more decisive in front of goal though.
Mathieu Flamini – 6
Helped to protect Arsenal’s back-line alongside Coquelin well enough.