By Goonerking
December 8 2005

Boris and the Padre couldnt get to the match. Got it wrong in preview, Almunia capitaned not Cygan. However we are reproducing Goonerking's match ratings. Did we really play that well? I hope so. Anyway below is Goonerking's ratings:

Goonerking writes:

Just got back, great night out.

Manuel Almunia - 8.5 - world class shot stopper, many vital saves, made one mistake but that’s it !

Philippe Senderos - 7 - made one cock up, but otherwise he was solid played things simple and mopped up.

Emmanuel Eboue - 8 - was class coming forward and defensively, always tight on his man, 2nd half he was excellent making quick one-twos and really going for it.

Johan Djourou - 6 – didn’t really notice him much in the game to  be honest

Sebastian Larsson - 6 - again didn’t really do much, not a right-winger, but good work-rate

Kerrea Gilbert - 7 - got a lot of pace, made a few good tackles, I would  choose him to play left-back

Fabrice Muamba - 7 - contributed to a bit of everything really, got stuck in, and one really good chance 2nd half where he changed feet done to players, but totally missed the ball when he went to shoot

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie - 9 - think he was the difference, amazing !! Far too easy for him taking on players. Surprised Wenger ain’t started him yet, must have beaten every player on the pitch.

Nicklas Bendtner - 6.5 - made a couple good runs, but didn’t have enough time to impress. Dangerous on a couple set pieces though.

Mathieu Flamini - 7 - he was ok, nothing special, but good work rate as usual, had more of an attacking role.

Jose Reyes - 8 - well taken finish, kept the ball, spread the play, and was very direct, hope he can take this goal in to premiership games

Pascal Cygan 75 - 7 - LMFAO, he came on to replace Reyes, everyone moaned, poor guy, but he was really good lol, made 2 excellent challenges and even ran half the length of the pitch and put in a good through ball. But he also made one disgusting challenge where his (lack of pace?) pace showed and he near enough broke the guys legs when caught out of position.

Robin Van Persie - 9 - absolute class !! Changes direction so easily, won headers when Almunia played long ball, held the ball up well, amazing whenever he was on the ball.

Arturo Lupoli - 8 - instant impact, came on and rounded the keeper after he closed a defender down and capitalised on his mistake having pressured him, well taken goal. Real work-rate and closed people down all the time and tracking back.