Liverpool entertained Arsenal at Anfield earlier tonight looking to pick up a win in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash. The Reds enjoyed more of the ball and received a numerical advantage when Granit Xhaka was sent off in the 24th minute. However, the Merseyside outfit were lackluster in the final third and went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
It was a similar story in the second 45 minutes as Liverpool struggled to break the Gunners defence down as the contest finished 0-0 with both sides having everything to play for in the second leg.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the clash against the Gunners.
GK: Alisson Becker – 7/10
The Brazilian keeper made one important save during the game and was quite accurate with his ball distribution. He kept an easy clean sheet at home tonight.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
The English right-back was always willing to get forward but his final delivery often let him down. He ran out of gas and got replaced in the second half.
CB: Joel Matip – 7.5/10
The Cameroon international dealt with the danger when needed and made some clever runs with the ball towards the Arsenal penalty box.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
Van Dijk dealt had a few nervy moments but was mostly solid at the back. However, he failed to cut open the Gunners defence with his passing.
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LB: Andrew Robertson – 6.5/10
The Scottish full-back worked his socks down the left flank and played some decent passes in and around the opponent’s penalty area. However, his crossing from corners was woeful tonight.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6/10
The Liverpool captain was always looking to get on the ball but failed to create any clear-cut chances in the final third.
CM: Fabinho – 6/10
Fabinho found life easy at the centre of the park. However, he was sometimes late to get to the ball which was unlike him.
CM: James Milner – 6/10
He produced another tireless display in midfield but offered very little in the Arsenal half.
RW: Diogo Jota – 6/10
The Portuguese striker made a good run only to get knocked down by Granit Xhaka’s reckless challenge in the 24th minute. However, he didn’t get a sniff at goal during the game.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6/10
The Brazil international linked up play well with others around him but never looked like he would score.
LW: Takumi Minamino – 6/10
He made some decent runs with the ball but was guilty of missing a glorious chance in the dying embers of the game.
Substitutes:
CM: Curtis Jones – 6.5/10
Jones played some neat passes in the opponent’s half and raised the tempo of Liverpool’s play.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
He couldn’t hit the target with his long-range attempt.
CB: Joe Gomez – 6/10
Gomez kept the ball moving quite well.
RB: Neco Williams – 7/10
He delivered a few inviting crosses into the Arsenal penalty box.
