Arsenal v Birmingham City - Player Ratings

Last updated : 15 January 2008 By Luis Anaconda

This was a poor result and a disappointing performance, though credit must go to Birmingham for an impressive defensive display. The first half was probably as well as we've played for a while with Ade's penalty scant reward. Arsene only knows what went wrong at half-time.

Manuel Almunia - 6 - Underemployed for the most part - still needs to make his presence felt at corners.

Bacary Sagna - 7 - Typically solid performance.

William Gallas - 7 - See above.

Philippe Senderos - 7 - Exonerated by Wenger as everyone predictably blamed him for Birmingham's goal. Was otherwise solid and made two great tackles in the closing stages.

Gael Clichy - 6 - Full of energy but lacking in quality in the final third.

Theo Walcott - 5 - Well, he is fast…

Cesc Fabregas - 5 - His radar was wayward today - makes you wonder whether rest is always good for a footballer. Nearly snatched a late winner though.

Mathieu Flamini - 6 - Busy and bustling but unable to inspire the troops.

Alexander Hleb - 7 - Sublime in the first half, poor in the second. Almost hard to believe it was the same player.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 6 - Another who faded after half-time. Certainly didn't show great signs of a partnership with Bendtner.

Eduardo da Silva - 7 - A lively presence and showed another string to his bow when moved to the left wing.

Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Possibly trying too hard against his old club.

Abou Diaby - 5 - Not much of an impact.