When you consider three of those results came away form home, I think it is acceptable to question if our young players are not rising to the occasion against lesser teams?
The above aside, it was great to see a professional performance by the lads and make no mistake we thoroughly deserved the win against a Liverpool side that created little on their own patch. They may bemoan a penalty for Gilberto's challenge on Alonso but it was clear that the latter had clearly left a trailing leg once he knew the ball had gone, shock horror Mr Bennett not only got it right but booked Alonso into the bargain.
Hopefully our youth team will give a good account of themselves on Tuesday but either way we have proved one thing, we have very little to fear from Liverpool when it comes to clinching that crucial Champions League spot later in the season.
Almunia - 7 - For all Liverpool's possession he had very little to do, he handled very well throughout. You could possibly question whether he could have committed for Liverpool's goal but perhaps that is being too picky, did well overall.
Eboue - 6 - One of his in and out days got caught in possession a few times but strong as an ox at times too. (Hoyte 66)
Toure - 7 - Got some crucial tackles in including a fantastic block mid way through the second half.
Senderos - 7 - Big Phil did us proud with numerous clearing headers, fortunate to get away with a sliced clearance that sailed over the crossbar late on.
Clichy - 7 - Worked hard and has a nice touch but does take unnecessary risks at times, but in fairness that is the Arsene way.
Hleb - 7 - Worked his socks off and another with silky skills to match his engine, only negative is that he does love the odd hospital ball.
Gilberto - 7 - Not as tidy as normal and put us under pressure with some wayward passing at times, he definitely missed Cesc.
Flamini - 7 - If he had pace he would be a star, sadly he hasn't but he is a workhorse.
Rosicky - 8 - Looks more and more like Liam Brady when he is on song, two great goals, one a masterful chip after interchanging with Hleb and showed his experience when using the ball sensibly.
Henry - 7 - A quiet game by his standards but his movement proved that he is on the brink of full fitness and the devastating Thierry that we know and love, as demonstrated with his fantastic third goal. (Walcott 88),
Van Persie - 7 - Worked hard for the team and pulled the Liverpool defence about but some of his runs were not the best timed, valuable performance though. (Julio Baptista 72).
Subs
Hoyte - 5 - (66) A difficult time to come on when we were under the cosh, but does not get goal side as much as he should.
Baptista - 5 - (72) A few flick ons nothing more really in the short time he was on.
Walcott (88) Got caught offside by crossing over the halfway line when he had no need to and would have been clear had he used his head, he will learn.
Subs Not Used: Poom, Djourou