Liverpool vs Arsenal – One of Premier League’s most entertaining encounters has never failed to entertain the football fanatics across the globe. Both the teams are known for their attacking style of play and the game usually offers lots of goals and end-to-end football.
Liverpool were on a three game winning streak ( in all competitions) following a 3-3 draw against Watford in the season opener. Arsenal, who missed out on a ‘top-four’ finish to Liverpool for the first time in two decades, were enjoying a great run of form until the last gameweek when the Gunners were humbled at bet365 Stadium against Stoke City.
The Anfield clash was a tough ask for Arsene Wenger to get back to winning ways, whereas, Liverpool were struggling with their defensive frailty. To the utmost surprise, it was completely a one-sided affair as Liverpool thrashed the North London giants by 4-0.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from this fixture.
Loris Karius: 6
Had to do absolutely nothing except two decent outings to punch the ball away. However, the young German custodian looked overconfident at times as his delay while making clearances could have brought trouble.
Joe Gomez: 9
The English teenager was outstanding throughout the afternoon. His excellent cross from the right-hand flank was converted by Firmino to break the deadlock. It was Gomez once again who won the ball in the defence and the resulting counter attack led Sadio Mane to double the scoreline in the first half. Did exceptionally well to keep hold of Alexis Sanchez.
Joel Matip:9
Matip was imposing at the right centre-back slot as he was calm, composed and well-positioned throughout the game. Made crucial blocks, interceptions and never let Arsenal dominate in the air.
Dejan Lovren: 8
Lovren has been highly criticized for his erroneous defensive display, but the Croatian silenced his critics with a dominating performance. He did not allow the Gunners’ to enter the box and resisted them with his first-time tackles, blocks, and clearances.
Alberto Moreno: 8.5
The Spaniard has truly revived his career at Liverpool. He has worked on his defensive responsibilities and it reflected this evening against the Gunners. He not only linked up with Mane and Firmino upfront but also tracked back when required and did not leave the left-hand flank wide open.
Jordan Henderson: 8.5
The skipper is back to his best as he led the pressing game in the middle of the park. Dispossessed Mesut Ozil brutally and kept on making forward runs to help the attackers.
Emre Can: 8
Can did exceptionally well yet again. Dominated the midfield, impressed with his passing, ball control and his down the middle runs depleted Arsenal’s disastrous defensive unit. Was taken off late into the game to be replaced by Marko Grujic.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 8.5
Was at his best in midfield. Destroyed Aaron Ramsey a couple of times and Wenger had no option but to take the Welshman off at half-time. Worked tirelessly and kept the ball rolling.
Mohamed Salah: 8.5
The Egyptian missed a golden opportunity from point-blank range in the early minutes. But he brilliantly dispossessed Bellerin inside his own half and covered more than half of the ground before calmly finishing into the back of the net.
He set up substitute Daniel Sturridge’s goal with a sublime cross that put the last nail in Arsenal’s coffin.
Sadio Mane: 8.5
Toyed with the Arsenal defence especially Rob Holding and scored a majestic goal from the left-hand side of the box. The Gunners had no answer to stop him from dribbling, passing and of course, scoring. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
Roberto Firmino: 9
The Brazilian showed once again why he is rated so highly by Jurgen Klopp. Covered the entire ground, scored with an intelligent header to break the deadlock and set up Sadio Mane’s goal in the first half.
Did well to take the ball out of Arsenal’s defence which was eventually converted by Daniel Sturridge heading home from Salah’s cross. Was taken off late into the game and replaced by James Milner.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge: 7.5
Marked his name on the scoresheet heading home from Mohamed Salah’s sublime cross.
James Milner: 7
Chased down the Arsenal midfield which was looking for a consolation goal.
Marko Grujic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
