Manuel Almunia - 7 - Named man of the match in several newspapers, he was quick off his line and seemed to have the confidence of the back four. Still something unconvincing - and I'm not talking about his hair for once - as shown by his weak parry from a free kick.
Mathieu Flamini - 7 - A surprise choice given that we have 72 right backs, but maybe the manager wanted to give him a vote of confidence after the signing of Diarra. Whatever the reason he patrolled the right flank with an air of malevolence.
Kolo Toure - 8 - His last-ditch defending was absolutely magnificent but can get carried away, like when he tried to take a quick free kick near our penalty area in the 85th minute when we are down to 10 men.
Phillipe Senderos - 5 - Poor old Phil - letting Kanu get the wrong side like that was bad, but the amateur attempt to stop him was unforgivable.
Gael Clichy - 9 - It's like having two men Martin Tyler remarked as our turbo-charged full back zoomed forward. The most remarkable thing is when he has to clear with his right foot he can and he does - unlike some left backs I could mention.
Alexander Hleb - 7 - Suffering from illness but still a vital cog in an impressive performance.
Cesc Fabregas - 8 - He's getting a bit predictable now.
Gilberto Silva - 7 - Our most coherent performance of the season - Gilberto back in the middle with Cesc - coincidence? I think not.
Tomas Rosicky - 8 - Wasn't actually having a shoddy game before the sending-off, was magnificent after it, constantly picking up the ball in dangerous positions and using it in unfeasibly good ways.
Robin van Persie - 7 - Great instincts to win the penalty, sublime touch on show throughout the match.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - Beautiful pen - it couldn't be more different to RVP's normal blockbusters. The ideal man to have up front when you have ten men (NB except that bloke at Barcelona)
Eduardo Da Silva - 6 - Not a great impact
Abou Diaby - 6 - How did he miss that header?
Denilson - 7 - Steadied the ship.