It seems like Wenger’s strategy paid off. The Frenchman decided not to use his best team against Chelsea a few days back. Even if they lost and got knocked out of the Capital One Cup, the Gunners managed to rest their most important players for the clash against Liverpool.
The game started great for Arsenal who had their first chance only 5 minutes into the game. Luckily for Liverpool, Mignolet saved Rosickys’ shot. The game became pretty balanced after the Gunners’ chance to score. Henderson and Suarez were the ones to watch out for as they repeatedly managed to infiltrate themselves in Arsenal’s defence.
Thomas Rosicky looked great tonight. He was all over the pitch managing to help his team maintain a solid pace. Just 18 minutes into the game, Sagna dashed across the right side of the pitch and put a great ball into the box. Cazorla’s header hit the post but came back to the Spaniard who scored with his right foot.
The spirits became a bit tense after that. Sagna and Cissokho were booked after two hard fouls. Arsenal dominated the game throughout the first half. Suarez and Sturridge had one or two chances but there was nothing to worry about. The first half ended with a missed opportunity on behalf of Arsenal. Cazorla who looks to be getting along perfectly with Giroud, missed the target after a shot from just outside the box.
The second half started with a chance for Suarez. Fortunately for the Gunners the Uruguayan striker was not in the best of forms tonight. Arsenal responded through Olivier Giroud who missed two great opportunities.
The second goal came during the 59th minute. Ramsey scored an amazing goal from just outside the box. There was not much going on after the Gunners took a 2 goal advantage. Wenger decided to defend the result and sent in Monreal who replaced Rosicky. Vermaelen also got to play for 15 minutes after replacing Gibbs. Suarez was the only one to cause any problems. Coutinho also had a few good chanced but nothing seemed to go Liverpool’s way.