Arsenal locked horns with Liverpool at Anfield earlier tonight as they hoped to grind out a result in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The Gunners were solid in the early stages of the game but suffered a setback in the 24th minute when Granit Xhaka was sent off for taking Diogo Jota out when he was clear through on goal. However, Mikel Arteta’s men fought hard both on and off the ball and went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
The visitors showed a lot of heart in the second half and managed to defend well and grind out a scoreless draw at Merseyside.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player performed during the clash against the Reds.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – 7/10
The Gunners keeper was hardly tested during the game but had to make one good save in the latter stages of the contest.
RB: Cedric Soares – 6/10
He picked up an injury and got replaced in the tenth minute.
CB: Ben White – 7.5/10
White earned the ball back a few times for his team and cleared the danger multiple times during the 90 minutes. He will be happy with the clean sheet tonight.
CB: Gabriel – 7/10
The Arsenal centre-back had a couple of nervy moments but dealt with everything that the Liverpool attackers threw at him.
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LB: Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Tierney defended his penalty box quite well and managed to create one good chance in the final third.
CM: Albert Sambi Lokonga – 7/10
He earned possession a couple of times in midfield and made one good opportunity in the opposition half.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 4/10
Xhaka let his teammates down by getting sent off in the 24th minute.
RW: Bukayo Saka – 6.5/10
He caused a few problems for the Liverpool defenders but failed to find the cutting edge in the final third.
CAM: Alexandre Lacazette – 6.5/10
The Frenchman dropped back to defend his penalty box when needed and had a couple of bright moments in the opposition half.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – 7/10
Martinelli made a few excellent runs with the ball but didn’t get a chance to find the back of the net.
ST: Eddie Nketiah – 6/10
He hardly got into the flow of the game and was substituted in the 27th minute.
Substitutes:
RB: Calum Chambers – 7/10
Chambers cleared the danger when needed and produced a solid defensive display after coming off the bench in the tenth minute.
CB: Rob Holding – 7/10
He made two important interceptions at the back and was not shy of putting his foot through the ball to keep his clean sheet intact.
LB: Nuno Tavares – 6/10
The youngster added some energy to Arteta’s defence.
