Liverpool's performance yesterday will be enough to quell the views of those who feel the Reds had wasted their opportunity to win the Premiership this season however, they have proved again that they are lacking in creativity.

I agree with A J Murrays view that this was yet another poor performance by Liverpool.

Nicholas Anelka?s return to Highbury was not filled with goals because he appeared to be providing the same support up front to Owen that Heskey had been providing prior to Nicholas?s arrival.

Anelka worked at drawing Campbell out to the right to create space for Michael in the center, however Liverpools intention to protect the midfield left Michael wondering how Liverpool would break down Arsenal experienced defence. This was a dangerous ploy though as Liverpool seemed staid and predictable up front allowing Arsenal the opportunity to track back whenever the ball was played up to Owen and Anelka.

Michael will be disappointed that he could not capitalise on his pace yesterday. Owen though did not create enough ball for himself, leaving the majority of hard work up front to be managed by the midfield. This is often the difference between Robbie and Michael in my view. Michaels performance yesterday was poor and Thommo may want to consider Heskey and Anelka up front next time out.

Some scrappy play between Danny Murphy and Patrick Berger allowed Pires the chance to break down the left and provide Freddie Ljungberg with a chance which Owen would have died for, putting Arsenal ahead.

A clever pass-and-go move by Arne-Riise on the left side caught Arsenal by surprise, and a wonderfully weight dissecting pass from Gerrard enabled Riise to bring Liverpool back level.

Overall the play was average with both sides trying to nick the three points. Winning was important for Liverpool yesterday as it would be seen as a return to form and would be a marker for the FA Cup fixture in two weeks time.

The write up in yesterday?s Telegraph referred to the display which could expected from Anelka, Owen and Henry yesterday, with the combined worth possibly in the region of #70-80 million. There was no sense of urgency about either side and any advantage which Arsenal had in the first half was borne out of the home fixture in my view. Both sides however depended on other players to provide the sparse entertainment, which on a day provided satisfaction for nobody.

Liverpool have a lot to do over the coming weeks. This will not have proved anything to the fans yesterday, but will possibly enable the team to play more positively next time out.

Owen 5/10

Anelka 6/10

Berger 5/10

Hamann 6/10

Gerard 6/10

Murphy 6/10

Hyypia 4/10

Henchoz 7/10

Carragher 7/10

Riise 8/10

Dudek 8/10

Heskey 7/10

McAlister 6/10