Liverpool vs Arsenal, 2010 opening day – where are they now?

Liverpool vs Arsenal, 2010 opening day – where are they now? [PART ONE]

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On a sunshine-bathed afternoon at Anfield, Liverpool played host to Arsenal in a tantilising fixture to kick off their respective 2010-11 Premier League campaigns.

Arsenal, under Arsene Wenger, were looking to better their third-placed finish from the 2009-10 season and close the gap on perennial challengers Manchester United and reigning champions Chelsea.

It was the dawn of a new era at Liverpool with Roy Hodgeson replacing the outgoing Rafael Benitez in the Anfield hotseat, with the idea of improving on their disappointing seventh-placed finish last term.

In what was a dramatic encounter that saw debutants Joe Cole and Laurent Koscielny dismissed, Liverpool took the lead through a David Ngog strike before the Gunners salvaged a stoppage time equaliser via a Pepe Reina error to claim a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams went on to endure underwhelming seasons, with the North Londoners finishing in fourth place while the Reds ended in sixth but not before Hodgson was sacked in January and replaced by Kenny Dalglish.

We take a look at how the players’ careers have trekked since that opening day clash six years ago, starting with the Arsenal XI.

Manuel Almunia

A maligned figure during his Arsenal career, it would turn out to be Almunia’s last season at the club. The shot-stopper would spend a short loan spell at West Ham before spending two years at Watford, with his heroic double-save against Leicester City in their playoff clash the highlight. The Spaniard announced his retirement in 2014 due to a rare heart condition.

Bacary Sagna

The ultra-consistent right-back was a cornerstone in Arsenal’s defence for seven seasons, winning the FA Cup in 2014 in his final game for the club. Sagna would then join Manchester City on a free transfer and after a slow start, has now nailed down a regular starting birth for the Sky Blues.

Thomas Vermaelen

After bursting onto the scene in 2009 with his goalscoring exploits, Vermaelen’s Arsenal career was interrupted by injuries and a loss in form. The former Gunners skipper sealed a move to Barcelona for £15 million in 2014, making just 21 appearances but extraordinarily winning seven major honours in that time. The Belgian just recently joined AS Roma on loan for the 2016-17 season.

Laurent Koscielny

After a forgettable debut that saw him sent off, Koscielny has developed into one of Europe’s premier central defenders and an irreplaceable member of Arsenal’s squad. The Frenchman is still very much a key player for Arsene Wenger’s side as he approaches his seventh season for the club.

Gael Clichy

Clichy grew into a dependable left-back during his time at Arsenal before making the switch to Manchester City after eight seasons in north London. The Frenchman has played a part in City winning two Premier League titles in three years and still remains a part of the Sky Blues squad going into the new season.

Abou Diaby

In a career that has been decimated by a catalogue of injuries, Diaby was a prodigiously talented player that was cruelly denied the chance to maximise his potential. The languid midfielder left Arsenal after 10 unfulfilled seasons before joining Marseille. Diaby’s injury woes have continued with the Frenchman having to wait until April to make his debut. Diaby will remain at Les Phocéens for another year.


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Jack Wilshere

Another one to be ravaged by injuries, Wilshere has struggled for continuity during his eight seasons at the Emirates. The midfielder has made only 66 league appearances in five seasons after such a promising beginning to his Arsenal career. The Englishman is contracted to the Gunners for another two seasons.

Emmanuel Eboue

Remembered for his sense of humour more so than his footballing prowess, Eboue would leave Arsenal at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season, joining Galatasary for €3.5 million. The Ivorian spent four years in Turkey before signing a short-term deal with Sunderland. Eboue was given a one-year ban for failing to pay a former agent, meaning the deal with the Black Cats was promptly terminated.

Samir Nasri

The enigmatic midfielder enjoyed his most fruitful Arsenal season in 2010-11, scoring 15 goals in 46 appearances. Nasri opted to move to Manchester City where he has not hit the same heights on a personal front but has still won two Premier League titles. The Frenchman has reportedly been placed on the clubs transfer list.

Andrei Arshavin

Arshavin made an enormous impact in his first season in North London, but his Arsenal career petered out and he eventually fell out of favour due to a number of lacklustre performances. The diminutive Russian returned to Zenit on loan before making minimal impact upon his return to the Gunners. Arshavin then returned back to Zenit on a free transfer before signing a one-year deal at Kuban Krasnodar. The 35 year-old now plies his trade for FC Kairat in Kazakhstan.

Marouane Chamakh

Chamakh joined Arsenal on a free transfer after eight seasons at Bordeaux. After a lively start to his career at the Emirates, the Moroccan quickly became surplus to requirements after the goals dried up. The striker joined West Ham on loan before moving across the capital to join Crystal Palace where he spent three seasons. The 32 year-old is now a free agent after Palace decided not to renew his contract.

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