This was a huge test for Arsenal and we came through with more credit than the home side. That Fabregas was at the heart of the comeback was no surprise but this was a definitive team performance that we can hopefully repeat on Saturday.
Manuel Almunia - 7 - Let down by his wall for the goal, but made a succession of decent saves. Looks like he's here to stay.
Bacary Sagna - 6 - Possibly frightened by playing up against Michael Bolton he seemed to leave his flank unguarded at times in the second half but otherwise solid if unspectacular.
Kolo Toure - 8 - Absolute powerhouse at the back, in midfield and up front it seemed. If only Ade had got that pass right…
William Gallas - 8 - Was so quiet in the first half that my mate asked if he was playing at half-time. Second half he was immense - driving forward in the manner of Kolo and pulling off the best tackle of the season on Gerrard to save our hard-earned point.
Gael Clichy - 6 - He's not playing badly but has dropped off a bit in his performances recently. Would benefit from building a partnership with a regular left-sided player.
Emmanuel Eboue - 6 - A real mixed-bag from Tigger. Some sloppy passing and painful play-acting combined with driving runs and unlucky not to score.
Cesc Fabregas - 8 - "Amazing, an amazing player" - so said Andy Gray and who am I to argue with him (more than 90 times a game). Wasn't so much his normal footballing excellence but his drive and determination. Giving away a vital free kick and missing an open goal might cause some players to hide - Cesc was merely inspired.
Mathieu Flamini -8 - Probably at fault for the breaking of the wall, he recovered to give the sort of fighting performance that is making him undroppable. I remain a Gilberto fan but Flamini has improved practically every aspect of his game, including, crucially, his passing.
Tomas Rosicky - 5 - Off the pace and lucky to last as long as he did.
Alexander Hleb - 8 - Brilliant, simply brilliant.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 6 - Battled bravely up front, but is lacking the spark of a few weeks ago and nothing he tried came off. Missing Robin van Persie more than anyone.
Subs:
Theo Walcott - 7 - A valuable injection of pace and directness.
Gilberto Silva - 7 - Made a vital tackle and helped shore things up.
Nicklas Bendtner - 6 - Oops just about sums it up.