A rejuvenated Arsenal at Emirates was predicted to be one of the toughest tests for unbeaten Liverpool despite their supremacy in recent meetings. The Reds, contesting Manchester City for the Premier League glory had to grind out a result on the road to keep the chase on whereas the Gunners, under Unai Emery, eyed all three points to stake a claim in the title race defying the odds. The game produced an end-to-end ninety minutes of action which eventually settled for a 1-1 draw allowing a significant boost for the fellow title rivals.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their dramatic draw against Arsenal.
Alisson Becker: 6.5
Could have cost his side a goal due to a poor outing which, however, was headed wide by Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Made some important saves but conceded late in the game having been fooled by Alexandre Lacazette who pulled off a spectacular finish to level the scoreline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 4.5
One of his worst possible games in Liverpool colours as the right fullback looked vulnerable against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in early minutes and Alex Iwobi as well as Danny Welbeck in dying moments. Offered little help going forward and looked clueless at times while tracking back.
Joe Gomez: 7.5
Was s0lid in central defence despite misplacing a couple of passes dangerously. He was strong, alert and also confident with his performance this evening alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk: 8.5
The Dutchman made his presence known once again with a towering presence at the back. He maintained his physical as well as aerial supremacy and was well-positioned while defending Arsenal’s threats. Van Dijk proved to be unlucky at the other end as he hit the woodwork from a free-kick, was denied twice by Bernd Leno and so failed to grab his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5
Dealt well against Mesut Ozil and pacy Hector Bellerin who tried to threaten the Reds with overlapping runs. Whipped in a few crosses and also combined well with Sadio Mane particularly after the break.
Fabinho: 5.5
His third straight start in a ‘number six’ role but looked far from impressive having lost the possession on some occasions. Was wrong with his decision making and also clumsy while tackling at times. Struggled to deal with Arsenal’s one-touch football. However, showed a slight improvement after Klopp tweaked the formation in the second half.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5
Showed great calmness and control with the ball, tried to build the game up from deep and also found his teammates most of the time despite immense pressing from the Arsenal players.
James Milner: 8
Another workaholic display from the veteran Englishman who slotted home to hand Liverpool a second-half lead. Maintained the pressing even when the Gunners were chasing the game in closing minutes and covered Alexander-Arnold down the right who was having a nightmare at the back.
Mohamed Salah: 6
The Egyptian created a few chances but was closely monitored by Sead Kolasinac, Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding who rarely allowed him space and pulled off timely challenges to snatch the ball back. Was taken off in closing seconds to be replaced by Joel Matip.
Sadio Mane: 7
Had a promising second half with clever link-ups, runs and cut insides from the left flank. Played his part in Milner’s strike and was controversially denied a goal in the first half despite being onside.
Roberto Firmino: 6
Worked hard, tried to link up with Salah and Mane down the wide but failed to offer much high up the pitch. Hit the woodwork once in early minutes, but his passing in the final third let the Reds down. The Brazilian was taken off to be replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri with 10 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Substitutes
Xherdan Shaqiri: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Joel Matip: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
