It was a stylish win, but enough defensive lapses kept one on edge until the final whistle.
Liverpool played a solid first ten minutes, but then Arsenal got a foothold and started to dominate the game and were duly rewarded when Santi Cazorla scored his first goal of the season with an excellent volley.
Sagna’s cynical foul halted the only dangerous Liverpool attack of the entire half, although a goal wasn’t a certainty as Stewart Robson claimed on television.
Arsenal played a solid offensive game for most of the second half, although they appeared to be getting tired and that is what allowed Liverpool so many late opportunities.
Aaron Ramsey scored the second goal and put the game out of reach, his tenth goal of the season. Arsenal should have scored a third, but a number of chances were flubbed as the half wore on.
Luis Suarez grazed the upright once and selfishly missed another golden chance, where a pass to Sturridge may have reaped more of a reward.
Coupled with Chelsea’s loss to Newcastle, the Gunners now have a five point lead in the Premier League, although Spurs have yet to play.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 8. Looked strong in the box through most of the game and made a series of good saves late in the game. Very lucky that his bonehead throw near Sturridge didn’t result in a goal.
Sagna 8. He made a rash challenge in the first half on Suarez, but his cross set up Cazorla for the first goal. He had a solid game going forward and at the back where he kept things quiet down his flank.
Mertesacker 7. Liverpool were unable to really exploit Per’s lack of pace and he did a good job reading the game.
Koscielny 7. He had a busier day than Per, but for the most part he looked pretty solid. Should be careful about giving away cheap free-kicks.
Gibbs 8. Kieran may have suffered a muscle injury, which is a pity because he played very well, particularly when on the overlap. Won a number of balls from sloppy Liverpool clearances.
Arteta 7. Mikel had a good game in the middle, although his lack of pace was a problem several times. He got forward a lot, but he was always quick to help shield the defence.
Ramsey 8. Ten goals this season and we’re at the start of November! An excellent game from Ramsey who worked tirelessly to help keep Arsenal on top.
Rosicky 7. A good game for Tomas, who was always looking to push forward and play pressure defence.
Ozil 7. Assisted on Ramsey’s goal, worked tirelessly, put a good shift in with lots of running. Even when he isn’t spectacular he has a good game.
Cazorla 8. My man of the match. A sensational first goal, scoring a fine volley after his header hit the bar. He was always buzzing around the pitch, always looking to combine with others and Liverpool could never rest when he had the ball.
Giroud 8. Yes, he flubbed several good chances, but Olivier’s work rate continues to impress as is his ability to pass and create chances for others.
Substitutes:
Monreal 6. Another good outing for Nacho, who may get a run of games if Gibbs is out for awhile.
Vermaelen n/a. He had a decent 15 minute cameo.
Jenkinson n/a. Even a shorter outing than Vermaelen. Was on long enough to pick up a yellow card.