Arsenal clashed heads with Liverpool at Anfield earlier tonight looking to book a place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. The Gunners started the game a bit sloppy and conceded early when Mustafi scored an unfortunate own goal in the sixth minute. The North London outfit responded positively and scored three quick-fire goals through Lucas Torreira’s strike and a brace from Gabriel Martinelli. The home side got one back just before the half-time break via James Milner’s penalty.
The rip-roaring action continued in the second half as Arsenal found the back of the net again in the 53rd minute when Ainsley Maitland-Niles finished from close range. However, the Merseyside giants managed to get themselves back level via a goal each from Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Joe Willock popped up with a wonder-strike in the 69th minute which was cancelled out by Origi’s spectacular finish in injury-time. The contest ended 5-5 after the full 90 minutes. It was Jurgen Klopp’s men that emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with a 5-4 scoreline which ensured their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the clash against the Reds.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 4/10
The Arsenal keeper ended up conceding five goals during the clash. He should have done well to prevent at least a couple of Liverpool’s goals on the night. Martinez failed to be his team’s hero in the shoot-out which rounded off a disappointing outing for him.
RB: Hector Bellerin – 6/10
The Spaniard showed some signs of rust, but he was a decent outlet for the Gunners down the right flank. Emery would now hope that Bellerin will be able to return to his best in the coming weeks.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi – 2/10
The Gunners centre-back conceded an unfortunate own goal in the 6th minute and made numerous errors during the game which invited more pressure at the back. On a night when a lot of youngsters are on show, the experienced Mustafi failed to put in a commanding display inside his own half.
CB: Rob Holding – 3/10
The Arsenal defensive ace committed too many cheap fouls and struggled to deal with Origi’s threat in the second half. It was a night to forget for him. Really surprising display from a player of his calibre.
LB: Sead Kolasinac – 4/10
He failed to create too many chances going forward and looked a bit vulnerable at the back.
RM: Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6/10
The Gunners winger was always looking to cause problems for the Reds defenders and got his just reward in the second half when he scored from point-blank range.
CM: Lucas Torreira – 6.5/10
The Uruguayan workhorse scored against Liverpool yet again when he equalised for the Gunners in the 19th minute. However, his energy levels dropped a bit after the hour mark, which led to his substitution.
CM: Joe Willock – 8/10
The Arsenal midfielder was always looking to run at the Liverpool midfielders and scored a brilliant goal from long range in the 69th minute. However, it was not enough to hand his team the win.
LM: Bukayo Saka – 6/10
The Gunners youngster made some penetrative dribbles which caused a few headaches for the Reds defenders. He got an assist to show for his efforts.
CAM: Mesut Özil – 5.5/10
The German playmaker distributed the ball accurately, but his defensive work-rate was poor once again.
ST: Gabriel Martinelli – 9/10
The Brazilian whizkid cannot stop scoring when wearing the Arsenal shirt. He scored two poacher’s goals tonight and kept his nerve to convert from the spot after the full 90 minutes.
Substitutes:
CM: Matteo Guendouzi – 6/10
The Frenchman got an assist for Willock’s wonder strike, but he struggled to dictate play at the middle of the park.
CAM: Dani Ceballos – 4/10
He failed to influence the game positively and missed his penalty in the shootout.
LM: Kieran Tierney – N/A
The ex-Celtic star did not have enough time to make an impact.
