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Arsenal have made a huge statement in their bid to an unlikely title challenge as they trashed Liverpool 4-1 at Emirates to close the gap on leaders Chelsea. Goals from Bellerin, Ozil and Sanchez in the first half killed the game as a contest.
A consolation for Liverpool through Jordan Henderson's penalty in the second half was not enough as Giroud wrapped the game up in injury time. If Manchester United win their game against Aston Villa, they may create a mammoth eight-point gap between themselves in fourth to Liverpool.
Let us look at how the players performed on the night:
Arsenal
David Ospina – 7/10
With Arsenal dominating, he was a spectator for most of the game but did well when he was called upon. Despite diving to the right side, he was, however, not successful in keeping Henderson’s penalty off target.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
He scored the opener in stunning fashion with his wrong foot and was a constant threat for Arsenal with his pace on the right side. However, he gave away a penalty in the second half to hand Liverpool a way back in the game.
Laurent Koscielny – 6/10
He defended well and covered for his teammates. He formed a good partnership with his centreback partner and looked comfortable in the back up until being replaced with a possible injury.
Per Mertesacker – 6.5/10
He formed a solid partnership with Koscielny and defended well. However at times he was unable to keep up with Liverpool's pace and was caught out of position.
Nacho Monreal – 6/10
His forward movement was limited, but he made up for it with his good defensive work to support his defenders.
Francis Coquelin (82’) – 6.5/10
He continued his recent revival with a solid performance on the evening. He was always available to go forward to help his attackers and offered good protection for his defenders. Except for few occasions when he was caught off the guard, he had a decent game otherwise.
Aaron Ramsey – 7/10
The Wales youngster was another standout performer. He might not have scored a goal, but he did a very good job for his team on the ball as well as off the ball.
Santi Cazorla – 6.5/10
The Spaniard offered great support to his attackers and linked up well with his teammates. His contribution to the defensive aspect of the match was praiseworthy too.
Mesut Ozil - 7/10
After enduring a slow start, during which his touches were poor and often ended up giving the ball away, Ozil found his feet as the match wore on. The former Real Madrid star also got himself on the scoresheet with a stunning free kick.
Alexis Sanchez – 8/10 (Man Of the Match)
Sanchez arguably scored the goal of the night. After getting away from Toure, he unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to seal the game. He was always at Liverpool toes to unease their defenders.
Olivier Giroud – 7/10
After being unlucky not to score a goal for most parts of the game, Giroud, the in-form striker, scored in injury time to make it 4-1. He was a constant threat in the air and did not give Liverpool defenders a moment of peace.
Substitutes
Gabriel Paulista (49') – 6/10
He came on for the injured Koscielny and defended well.
Mathieu Flamini (62') - 5/10
He came on to see out the game and he did that well.
Danny Welbeck (73') – 5/10
He looked lively after coming on. He also drew the foul from which Can was sent off.
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
If not for Mignolet, Arsenal would have had a cricket score by the end of the match. He made great saves in either halves to keep the score at 4-1. However, he couldn't do much with the goals conceded by his team.
Emre Can – 4/10
He found it hard to contain the impressive Arsenal in this make-shift role. His night turned from bad to worse when he fouled Welbeck to collect his second yellow card in the second half.
Kolo Toure – 3/10 (Flop of the match)
He was never able to keep up with the pace of Arsenal attackers. His distribution with the ball as well as his first touch was poor. He was fortunate that Ramsey did not score after bullying the ball from him early-on in the game. Sanchez got passed him easily to score Arsenal's third.
Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
He looked the decent among the back three. He defended reasonably well, but he too struggled to keep up with some of the quick Arsenal attacks.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
He fought hard in the make-shift right wing-back position. Even though he was unable to make any telling contribution in the attacking third with his passing, he scored Liverpool's only goal from a penalty.
Lucas Leiva – 5/10
He was unable to help his defenders properly and struggled to hold his position. He neither made an impact in the attacking third.
Joe Allen – 5/10
Just like his midfield partner, Allen struggled in the middle of the park. He was neither sound in defending nor attacking.
Alberto Moreno – 5/10
He struggled to hold his ground and allowed Bellerin to come inside easily for the opener. He hardly surged forward.
Philippe Coutinho – 5/10
After his recent impressive performances, Coutinho did not live up to the same level. He tried to work out openings, but was unable to succeed. Arsenal closed him down well.
Lazar Markovic – 4/10
He had a glorious chance in the first half, when he was through on goal. But, he neither had a shot nor he found Sterling who was free on his left side for a tap-in. That is as good he came in the match as he was replaced at the break.
Raheem Sterling – 6.5/10
He looked lively without making any noteworthy contribution. However, he won the penalty from which Henderson scored to hand Liverpool a lifeline.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge (45') – 5/10
He was brought at half time to make an impact in the game, unfortunately he was not able to do it.
