The first half was so clearly Arsenal's with their good movements, passing, break-up play and all the nice little things that make them Arsenal.
The second half belonged marginally to the Kop especialy after they set the place alight with that early, early goal. It was just what they needed to retreat and park the bus in front of their goalmouth and see out the rest of the game.
Until Reina intervened and let the Gunners back in.
Talking of which however, despite all the focus on Reina, credit must go to Marouane Chamakh for his persistence and never-say-die-attitude that forced Reina into the mistake that brought the equaliser.
Below are my Arsenal ratings for the game.
* Almunia (6/10) - Did well to deal with all that came his way. Yes he flapped a couple of balls in the first half, but he redeemed himself with good saves from Glen Johnson and a Steven Gerrard howitzer in the second half.
* Sagna (6/10) - Dealt with all that came his way and linked up quite well with Eboue on the right.Same old tenacious Bacary
* Vermaelen (7/10) - My favourite Arsenal player anyday, anytime. Mr Confident as always. Picked up from he left last season and shackled Gerrard and Ngog (at least until the 46th minute). Fired a fierce freekick in the 3rd minute that Reina did well to push away
* Koscieny (7/10) - Top marks for the Polish-French new boy. Developed a good understanding with TV and dealt with everything that came his way. One particular incident in the 76th minute when he took on the fresh legs of Fernando Torres and still outpaced the Spaniard, stuck out as an epitome of what he is all about. Unlucky to be sent off.
* Clichy (6/10) - New season, same determined Gael. Didnt do much wrong and was his usual overlapping self. Got caught out a couple of times by the marauding Johnson but also saved our blushes in the first half by clearing off the line with Almunia beaten.
*Eboue (6/10) - Did well in the first half as most of our play went via the right flank. Troubled the Kop defence with his trickery, pace, change of direction and positive movement. Will have a big season, hopefully.
* Diaby (6/10) - Surprisingly played the DM role and didn't do badly at all. He used his physical presence alot but couldn't resist the temptation to roma forward which is his natural game.
* Nasri (7/10) - Played the Fabregas role very well. Very crafty and confident on the ball. Starved the Kop of possession in the first half but wilted as the game progressed in the second half. A promising season lies ahead of him as well. Looks much more matured.
* Wilshere (5/10) - A bit harsh on the teenage sensation but he wasn't fazed by the initmdating atmosphere of Anfield. Got into the mix of things and linked very well with Nasri and Diaby. He even showed his tough side by picking up a card in the first half. We'll see more of him surely as the season unfolds.
* Arshavin (5/10) - Mr Anonymous. I think Wenger left him on the pitch for 90 minutes cos of his outstanding record at Anfield. The Kop defence were aware of the record as well and stuck to him like a leech. Failed to impose himself at all.
* Chamkh (7/10) - Grafted very well despite the close attentions of Carrager, and Skrtel. A very good targetman and it is becoming obvious why Wenger waited a whole for him. He was worth the wait. Should be credited for forcing the mistake that led to the equaliser. It is a sign of a good striker that he didn't switch off despite the clock winding down. Good buy indeed.
Subs
* Walcott (7/10) - Did well in the short time he was on the pitch. Hassled the Kop defence with his pace and determination. Looked hungry.
* Rosicky (7/10) - Also did very well soon as he came on. He took over from Nasri soon as he stepped on the pitch and it was his cross that led to the equaliser. No wonder Chamakh smothered him with an almighty hug after the equaliser.
* Van Persie (6/10) - Also threw himself around. Kop's crowded area didn't afford him time and space to weave his magic but surely looked like another hungry one.
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