A 2 - 2 draw isn't a terrible result considering Liverpool's current form and our shoddy defending, goalkeeping and confidence.
The first half was pretty much an equal affair with Liverpool edging it slightly with the 1 - 0 lead at halftime.
Walcott squandered an eight yard half-volley from an exquisite Jack Wilshire thru-ball, but to be fair Pepe Reina was on the button today as usual. Shortly after, the Liverpool keeper made an excellent finger-tip save from Walcott's 'stinging' edge-of-the-box effort.
Giroud had a decent chance but glanced a weak head directly into Pepe Reina's hands. The Frenchman sometimes seems to over think his headers despite being very good in the air. If he actually netted all the 'should-have's' this season he'd probably be the leagues highest scorer... Still, he's getting better with each game which is the diametric opposite to Sagna these days. Which brings me to the first goal...
It basically shouldn't have happened - in Arsenal's eyes.
Yet again, Bacary makes a stupid mistake which costs us dearly. It's out of character for a player recently regarded as the best right back in the league.
If he wants to leave, then I really hope it's a swift departure!
His horrible positioning on Suarez left the back four totally caught out, and then when he could have redeemed the situation - he slips over letting the ball roll behind his and Suarez pounce. It was almost comical.
I hate to admit it, and despite being a dirty, cheating, camel-looking, racist (allegedly) Suarez is absolutely deadly in front of every goal he faces. Every time he gets the ball people rise from their seats. Hands down one of the best strikers in the World at the moment.
In the second half we started much stronger as we have done this season, why is that?
After consistent pressing we then get caught out and go 2 - 0 down to Jordan Hensderson's persistence. Mertesacker was diabolic yet again. One of his most sluggish performances yet. Where is our consistency?
Only four minutes later and Johnson fouls Walcott outside the 18 yard box down the other end . Wilshire's cross is swung in, connects with Giroud's head about 8 yards out and down and in to the goal. Finally 'we' benefit from a set-piece rather than the other way round, we have let in far too many in these instances.
Minutes later in the 67th, Giroud's cushened lay-off to Walcott is lashed from an acute angle, beating Reina at the far post.
Agger had a header cleared off the line by Poldi while Shezney was lacing up his lead-boots. Giroud should have burried his brace but the ping-ponging ball didn't favor us on the day.
All in all, a pretty fair result as it really could have gone either way.
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS:
Wojciech Szczesny - 5 - Was unlucky to be put in front of both Suarez and Henderson for both the Goals but his over-confidence is his downfall. He has flashes of excellence which he displayed today, denying Suarez at the death but he needs to keep his head strait for the full 90.
Per Mertesacker - 3 - Awful game, seemed like he had the flu. Again, where was the player we saw a few weeks back? Should stick to collecting the 'players late-fee fines'.
Bacary Sagna - 4 - He had a dire first half and came out trying in the second, but overall, he just looks like he doesn't have it any more.
Thomas Vermaelen - 5 - Better than the previous two, not a touch on Gibbs who left with an injury after only 37 minutes. His form is still back-peddling which is a major concern for our defensive rock and supposed Captain.
Andre Santos - 2 - He gets two points for managing not to have a heart attack on the pitch. Go home.
Aaron Ramsey - 4.5 - Last game aside, he looks a fraction better than his usual shite. I strongly believe he shouldn't be in the Premier League. As inconsistent as ever. Back-heeled the ball for Suarez to score. Say no more.
Jack Wilshire - 7.5 - Took a tough game in his stride, fouled off the ball a lot in the first half and thankfully kept his mouth shut the whole game. Very professional, a few key passes that could have been assists. Finally turned one in to 'just that' for Giroud's header. Joint man of the match with Walcott in my opinion.
Santi Cazorla - 6 - Has gone a little stale since the begining of the season but no lack of effort as usual. I think morale is hindering his performance, Santi's a flair player and thrives off the team around him. He played a big part in Theo's goal and hopefully left with his head held high.
Lukas Podolski - 6 - Despite being played out of position, he stills puts in 100% every game. His crosses are getting better and his goal-line clearance saved us today. I think we've a lot more to see from Prince Poldi...
Theo Walcott - 7.5 - Could have had a hat-trick today even though he only managed one goal. Wasn't one of his best displays but he's getting into goal scoring positions even when he's out on the wing. His goal was excellently struck, Arsenal's top scorer and I'm delighted he signed up after all that time.
Olivier Giroud - 6.5 - He's getting there, slowly but surely. Much like Theo - he could have had few more today. Should have done better with the first header but came good with the cross from Wilshire.
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