Report card: Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool were the better side in the 1-1 draw at Anfield against Arsenal.

Manager Roy Hodgson decided to go with the 4-5-1 formation that Rafa Benitez favoured. His half-time team talk must have worked - Liverpool were better with 10 men. B Keeper A world-class save from Tomas Rosicky towards the end would have earned Pepe Reina a grade A, until his terrible late mistake. E Defence Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger, the full-backs, offered little going forward but that was juxtaposed by a more solid backline than last season which rarely looked shaky. B Midfield Overrun in the first half, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard seemed to spring to life after the break. Joe Cole impressed until his silly red card. C Strikers With Fernando Torres on the bench, David Ngog tried hard upfront. He only had one chance, but took it with aplomb. B+ Overall Grade: B

Manager Arsene Wenger boldly picked youngster Jack Wilshere in a four man midfielder but neither the English youngster or Emmanuel Eboue had much effect out wide. C

Keeper Little to do in the first half, but Manuel Almunia looked shaky at pretty much every ball in the air. Showed why Wenger is eyeing up a new stopper. C Defence Thomas Vermaelen threatened going forward and new signing Laurent Koscielny was solid until he was sent off. Lost composure for first 20 minutes of second half. B Midfield Wenger's age-old problem reared its head again. Lots of pretty passing and movement but not enough penetration into the area. C+

Strikers Marouane Chamakh looked lively on debut, but did not get a sniff until he showed why he will be an aerial threat when Arsenal equalised. B Overall Grade: C+