Fenerbahce v Arsenal - Player Ratings

Last updated : 24 October 2008 By Luis Anaconda

Diaby was excellent on his return, Almunia had one of his best games for us, but above all Cesc was on top form.

Manuel Almunia - 9 - Made several excellent save, mostly bravely at the feet of attackers. A captain's performance.

Emmanuel Eboue - 7 - His first touch was a back-heel 20yards inside his own half to Alex Song, his last a wonderful set-up for Ramsey. Quite a mixed bag in between as well, including one brilliant goal-saving tackle.

Alexandre Song - 5 - Looked all at sea but took his goal well.

Mickael Silvestre - 5 - Exposed time and again and rarely on the same wavelength as Song (which was entirely understandable in their first full game together).

Gael Clichy - 6 - Got dragged around by the confusion to the right of him, but still made some vital tackles.

Theo Walcott - 7 - Took his goal superbly and made Roberto Carlos look older than his already aged years.

Denilson - 7 - Great fulcrum in midfield when we are on the front foot, not so great in shielding his back four.

Cesc Fabregas - 9 - Won the game within ten minutes with two brilliant passes - as culpable as Denilson for exposing the defence.

Samir Nasri - 7 - Speaking of which, three times in the first five minutes young Samir was guilty of putting his side in trouble - twice given the ball away in dangerous areas, once allowing his man a free reign of the right wing when Clichy been drawn inside. Such sloppiness set the tone for the defensive performance and Nasri is better than that.

Abou Diaby - 8 - Wonderful touches, inspired running, even remembered to pass the ball rather than take on player after player.

Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - Revelled in his "lone" role (in truth he was supported from all angles) and a stylish finished belied his recent lack of confidence.

Substitutes:

Aaron Ramsey - 7 - Well-taken goal.

Carlos Vela - n/a

Johan Djourou - n/a