Jamie Carragher 7
The defender did not stop running and provided his customary exceptional service at the back to steer Liverpool through.

Martin Skrtel 7
Skrtel has been an impressive presence in the Liverpool shirt and was so again as he demonstrated an immediate adaptation to the English game.

Sami Hyypia 7
Scored the important equaliser with a towering and accurate header but his main impact was in defence as Adebayor was frustrated for the most part.

Fabio Aurelio 6
Caught out for Arsenal’s second goal as Walcott ran through. The Brazilian offered little going forward with several misplaced passes and wayward shooting in the opposition’s half.

Xabi Alonso 6
Started slowly and his ball delivery was peculiarly feeble in an ineffective performance that offered little to the home side’s cause.

Steven Gerrard 5
Like Arsenal’s equivalent, Cesc Fàbregas, the playmaker and iconic figure failed to perform satisfactorily and admitted as much afterwards. Yet he did provide the cross for Hyypia’s equaliser and showed great poise with the late penalty.

Javier Mascherano 7
Somehow avoided getting booked in a comprehensive display. Mascherano was brutally efficient in his role once again as Arsenal struggled for attacking ideas in the second half.

Dirk Kuyt 7
As ever, the Dutchman was hardworking and diligent in his performance. Seemingly more suited to a role in midfield as he struggles to make an impression as a striker in the Premier League.

Fernando Torres 7
Went missing at the Emirates a week ago but after a quiet display he burst into life in the 69th minute with a fabulous turn and finish to hand Liverpool the lead for the first time in the tie. Torres has scored more goals this season than Michael Owen ever did in the red shirt.

Peter Crouch 6
Largely unproductive and was replaced by Babel who proved the difference. His height did, however, provide the assist for Torres’s goal.

Substitutes
Ryan Babel 7 Fantastic impact upon entry - his pace troubled Arsenal’s defence and he forced Toure to give away a penalty before clinically finishing in stoppage time to seal victory.
Alvaro Arbeloa and John Arne Riise came on in the final minutes as Benítez looked to run down the clock.

Tags: Champions League, Fernando Torres, Rafa Benitez, Steven Gerrard

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