Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

What a Wednesday!

Funny how on Sunday the Gunners were out of the title race and on Wednesday they are right back in the thick of things. I even blogged about how I thought the premier league was a two-horse race between Man. United and Chelsea.

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool: Abou Diaby scored the only goal against Liverpool

Now I must admit my faith was gone, but this morale boosting win against an in-form Liverpool side has once again reaffirmed by belief that Arsenal will win a trophy this season.

The two teams that are in front of us in the league and demolished us in the past two weeks on back to back Sunday’s had two very tough road games on Wednesday. Everton were host to Chelsea at Goodison while United headed to Villa park and a meeting with Carling Cup final opponent Aston Villa.

Everton beat Chelsea 2-1,thanks to a brace from Louis Saha and Villa tied Man. United 1-1. Now the gunners are six points behind Chelsea and five behind Man. United

Video Highlights: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Now to our crucial game vs. Liverpool. The gunners came out with determination, spirit and a wonderful mental toughness that eventually saw them wrap up three precious points thanks to an Abou Diaby header in the 73rd minute. It was a much needed win for the club after back to back sunday defeats to Chelsea and Man.United.

Match Ratings:

Almunia- 8-Finally he had a good game and had one hell of a save from Ryan Babel that was just as important as a goal. He didn’t look shaky and I think that is because our defense did not look shaky. A welcomed and much needed clean sheet.

Clichy-7- He is not back to his finest form just yet, but give him time and he will be. He has been the backbone of our left side of defense ever since Ashley Cole has left and I don’t see anyone taking that position from him.

Gallas-9- He had an incredible game saving tackle on David Ngog and I think he was a true leader today. He deserves a 2 year contract extension even if he is older than 3o Mr. Wenger. ( Wenger only gives 1 year contracts to players over 30)

Vermaelen-8- Rock solid at the back and forms one hell of a partnership with Gallas. He can defend very well, has pace and can score goals. Also he is in great football shape.

Eboue- 7- He played well at right back for filling in for Sagna. He is clearly an offense threat and is more suited to coming off the bench, but all in all he played well today. I think he is a super-sub when he is at his best, but is a good back up.

Diaby-9 (man of the match) Not only did he score the lone goal, but he makes things happen on the pitch and he is physically and skillfully very talented. Song and Diaby are the club’s best option in mid-field along side Fabregas. The man gallops down the pitch, he is incredible!

Song-8-Rock solid in mid-field and has a first class work-rate. So glad he is back and not Denilson. He has become a world class defensive mid this year.

Fabregas-7- A poor game for his standards from the skipper. He just was not at his usual self today. He will be back to his best form very soon. Even though he did not play his best he was still very dangerous and all of our attacks go through him.

Arshavin-7- As the game went on he got better and I thought he was very close to scoring right before he was subbed with a hammy. I hope he is not out for too long. He had a good game tonight

Nasri-No Vote- He was subbed early on for Rosicky because of a slight concussion.

Bendtner- 7.5- Glad to see him start! He gives us an extra dimension and a striker that can hold the ball. With that being said, he did his part today, but he clearly is still rusty and needs to find his form quickly. He did cause the Liverpool defense trouble.

Subs:

Walcott-5- When he gets on the pitch I do not see much from him happening. He needs to get back to his best form if he wants to be playing for England this summer.

Rosicky-7- Had moments of really good touch and play, but also missed a glorious chance. However he provided the pin-point cross to Diaby’s head.

Sagna-No vote- He came on as a sub. very late.

?