Arsenal 2 (Nasri 35, Denilson 45+2) - Standard Liege 0
Match Report | Highlights

Manuel Almunia - Had almost nothing to do between the sticks. Although Standard did hit the woodwork twice, I can only recall one incident where Almunia had to make a save (and he was hardly tested). Sturdy, but didn’t get a chance to show what he’s capable of. 6.5

Emmanuel Eboue - Had very little to do in defence all night, and was given free reign to push forward. He made some marauding runs down the right touchline and he was positive in his overall play, although he did sometimes lack the end product. Provided an extra threat to the Liege defence, and would have had an awesome goal at the end had his shot posessed a little more venom. 7

William Gallas - Was hardly tested but stood strong until he was taken off at half time as a result of a head clash with Andrey Arshavin. His experience will be needed against Chelsea on Sunday, so hopefully he recovers in time as the injury did look nasty. 6

Thomas Vermaelen - Comfortably dealt with almost everything Liege could muster, however he did get caught static a couple of times. Was strong in the tackle and dominant aerially, however he did put in a couple of overzealous challenges leading to needless free kicks. 6.5

Kieran Gibbs - News of Gibbs’ broken left foot will come as horror news to manager Arsene Wenger, as the dynamic young fullback was enjoying another solid display at left back. His passing was good and he provided an outlet on the left flank. Defensively flawless. 7

Cesc Fabregas - Passing radar was spot on tonight as Fabregas pulled the strings in midfield, spraying balls around the park with signature accuracy. He pushed up when need be and provided a threat around the box, and got stuck in when he had to in an energetic performance. Had plenty of space though, and was hardly tested. Showed his maturity with the incident at the end. 7

Alex Song - Possible one of the most underrated footballers on this planet. Song was always on hand to mop up in midfield, or close down an onrushing attacker. His tackles were perfectly timed and his distribution was excellent. Unlucky not to have himself a goal as he got himself into some great scoring positions and deserved to hit the back of the net after such an excellent showing. 9

Denilson - Another massively underrated player shone once again today. Making his return after almost two months out with injury, Denilson capped a tidy performance with a cracking long-range finish. Granted, the keeper should have done better, but it was a belter of a shot from distance. Denilson’s passing was precise and he always wanted the ball. 8

Samir Nasri - Looks likely to start at Chelsea after his substitution today. The crafty midfielder improved on his weekend performance and provided much needed width and dynamism. Made the finish for his goal look super easy, although he did lose the ball in the final third a bit too much for my liking. 7

Carlos Vela - Didn’t make the most of a rare start. Missed an absolute sitter and looked rusty throughout. Made some good runs but often failed to get on to the end of them and didn’t fashion himself many scoring opportunities. 6

Andrey Arshavin - Hardly stood out today on the left flank. Not much he tried came off, although when it did Standard were immediately on the back foot. Died off towards the end of the match, and didn’t show the attacking impetus required from a player of his calibre. 6

SUBSTITUTES
Mikael Silvestre - 6
Theo Walcott - 5.5
Tomas Rosicky - 6

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