...the second is similar pattern but it ends with the forces of darkness in the ascendancy; the third of course ends in victory for our heroes. Here's hoping our battles with the evil empire from Merseyside will conform. After three 1-1 draws this season, is everyone ready for penalties.
Manuel Almunia - 7 - Maintained his reputation as a safe pair of hands without necessarily convincing that he is the long-term no.1.
Kolo Toure - 5 - Partially at fault for the goal and a few uncertain moments.
William Gallas - 8 - Dealt superbly with the threat of Torres. One of his best games of the season.
Philippe Senderos - 7 - Not far behind the captain in another solid performance.
Gael Clichy - 7 - Would have had more of an impact if it wasn't for the fact that Kuyt was given free reign to pull him back every time our speedy left back went past him.
Emmanuel Eboue - 4 - The less said about his performance the better - the Jar Jar Binks of Arsenal at the moment.
Mathieu Flamini - 7 - Held his own in a congested midfield.
Cesc Fabregas - 7 - The force is strong in this one, supposedly tired he was still making runs into the box in the last minute and was the most creative player on the field by some distance.
Alexander Hleb - 6 - An in-and-out performance perhaps reflecting the fact that he is moved positions so many times during the game.
Robin van Persie - 6 - A real threat in the first half, no real surprise that he didn't make the second.
Emmanuel Adebayor 7 Great leap to score and stretched the Liverpool defence all over the place in the second half.
Theo Walcott - 7 - An encouraging performance but much more effective on the left than the right.
Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Not his lucky night.
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Manuel Almunia - 7 - see above.
Justin Hoyte - 6 - Did little wrong but no real presence in Liverpool's half.
Kolo Toure - 6 - Not much happier back at centre half.
William Gallas - 7 - Possibly troubled more by Crouch than Torres but still strong under pressure.
Armand Traore - 7 - Showed more defensive qualities than in recent performances.
Gilberto Silva - 7 - One of his best games of the season, shame it was in a disappointing team performance.
Emmanuel Eboue - 6 - Livelier than most in the first half, and made a good impression when returning to right back.
Mathieu Flamini - 6 - Seemed confused by the system we were playing, but he wasn't the only one.
Cesc Fabregas - 6 - In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of Champions League and who can blame Cesc if Tuesday was on his mind.
Theo Walcott - 7 - Probably our biggest threat, but a fitful performance.
Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Took his goal well but very little evidence that he is half the player he seems to think he is.
Gael Clichy - 6 - Little impact.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 6 - Will hopefully benefit from the rest.
Alexander Hleb - 5 - Likewise.