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......kopipes rating........Arsenal 1-0 Roma
ARSENAL
Almunia - 7.5: Did not have too many saves to make, but did perform a simply world class stop from Motta in the first half.
Sagna - 6.5: Defensively sound, and supported well in attack too, linking up nicely with Eboue. Did lose Loria once though on a free kick.
Toure - 7.5: Comfortably marked the disappointing Baptista, and brought the ball out from the back. A confident display considering his difficult season.
Gallas - 7.5: Won everything in the air, and forged a fine partnership alongside Toure. Gave away very little.
Clichy - 6.0: Usually bombs up and down the left hand side, but not tonight. Second best against the outstanding Motta.
Eboue - 7.0: Excellent in the first half, where he embarked on a number of dangerous runs down the right hand side. However, he will be regretting his one-on-one miss after the interval.
Denilson - 6.5: Kept the game ticking over in midfield, and sprayed some sharp passes around the pitch.
Diaby - 7.0: A surprise starter, but the Frenchman did very well tonight, and excelled both in the attacking and defensive phase. Unleashed a pilderiver that was pushed away by Doni.
Nasri - 8.0: The most dangerous player in the first half, where he caused Roma all kinds of problems. Not so prominent after the break, but still a threat. Put one chance on a plate for Bendtner.
Bendtner - 5.0: Clearly lacking in confidence, and missed two big opportunities tonight . Should have buried his chance at the start of the second half. Was involved in the build-up to Van Persie's penalty-award though.
Van Persie - 7.0: Played in phases, but when he was hot he was hot. Won the penalty, and dispatched it with aplomb. Such a beautiful left foot.
Substitutes
Song - 6.5, Vela - 6.0, Ramsey - N/A
ROMA
Doni - 7.0: Was on his toes tonight, always alert and ready to race off his line. Actually did not make too many saves, but did produce one fine stop from Diaby.
Motta - 8.5: Absolutely magnificent this evening. Was a one-man show down the right hand side, as he gave away nothing in defence, and was a constant threat going forward. Would have scored a screamer were it not for Almunia. Italy's right back for 2010?
Loria - 5.0: Was generally sound in the first half, but was a walking disaster in the second period before Spalletti substituted him. Should have been punished by Eboue after a comical error on 66 minutes.
Mexes - 6.5: Aside from giving away the penalty, Mexes was excellent, and he repeatedly came to Loria's rescue. Sometimes overplayed though, such was his confidence.
Riise - 6.5: Had a few difficulties against the pace of Eboue, but generally did okay. Went close with a swerving drive on 67 minues.
De Rossi - 6.5: Started sloppily, but began to exert his authority as the game wore on. A needless booking though means he misses the second leg. He will be a huge loss.
Brighi - 5.5: Worked his socks off, but was largely a disappointment and could not match the technical quality of the likes of Nasri.
Taddei - 5.0: Did not contribute enough at all. Needed to be more involved in the play, but was too much on the outskirts.
Perrotta - 5.5: A player who is probably in decline. Lots of quantity, but he does not have the legs to get up and down the pitch like he used to.
Totti - 7.0: Held the ball up well, and provided some delightful touches and backheels. Unfortunately, he did not get the support of his team-mates, especially from striking partner Baptista.
Baptista - 4.0: As bad performances go, this was right up there with the very worst. Slow, static and uninspiring, Baptista lost the ball almost every time he received it. Totti was left to do everything in attack.
Substitutes
Pizarro - 6.5, Diamoutene - 6.0, Vucinic - N/A
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Post time 25-2-2009 08:59 AM
