Arsenal preserved their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League by securing a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool. The Gunners were the second-best side throughout the game, with both their goals, scored by Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson, coming from individual errors from the Liverpool defenders, nullifying Sadio Mane’s 20th-minute strike.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Liverpool
Emiliano Martinez 8/10
Started the game in a nervy fashion with one of his clearances almost finding the back of the net through an attempted interception from Roberto Firmino. However, the Argentine made up for that mistake with a couple of brilliant saves, including the one in the 95th minute.
Rob Holding 9/10
By far the most effective defender for Arsenal this evening, Rob Holding repelled dozens of Liverpool attacks with his determination and fighting spirit. Built a commendable partnership with David Luiz.
David Luiz 8/10
Luiz was excellent this evening, marshalling the Arsenal defence and making sure his side does not concede another goal. Excellent leadership.
Kieran Tierney 8/10
Kieran Tierney impressed the onlookers with his headed clearances and multiple blocks, thus helping Arsenal contain the flurry of Liverpool attackers. He is undoubtedly a better defensive outlet than Sead Kolasinac.
Cedric 6/10
Cedric had a challenging game against Liverpool this weekend. He didn’t provide any offensive support but soldiered on, trying to contain Mane on the right flank.
Lucas Torreira 5/10
Not the most productive game for Lucas Torreira, who had to tuck in and clear up loose balls in midfield as Arsenal tried to contain Liverpool. Did his job well for the most part before making way for Dani Ceballos in the second half
Granit Xhaka 8/10
Granit Xhaka found it difficult to influence the game, but that is understandable given Liverpool’s undeniable influence on the proceedings. It was the Swiss international’s leadership, courage and determination that was critical in denying the Reds a way back into the game.
Bukayo Saka 5/10
Bukayo Saka had a rather disappointing game as he barely managed to get to the byline. He was under constant pressure from Trent Alexander-Arnold and was ultimately taken off late in the second half.
Reiss Nelson 7.5/10
Reiss Nelson was one of the most important players for Arsenal in the first, and it was his pressure that forced Virgil van Dijk to make a defensive error for the first Arsenal goal. The winger then scored one himself just before half-time with a composed finish before making way for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, just before the hour mark.
Alexandre Lacazette 8/10
Lacazette continued his excellent run of form with yet another influential display. Although the Frenchman wasn’t involved much in terms of possession play, he made full use of van Dijk’s mistake to score the first goal and was there to intercept Alisson’s poor clearance to produce an assist for the second. Replaced around the hour-mark.
Nicolas Pepe 6.5/10
Nicolas Pepe deserves credit for grinding on till the very last whistle. He was the only catalyst for Arsenal counter-attacks, although the Ivorian had very little impact on the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Dani Ceballos 6.5/10
Provided a pinch of creativity and dynamism after replacing Torreira, just before the hour mark. The Spaniard’s overall influence was minimised for obvious reasons.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 6.5/10
Aubameyang didn’t exactly make a major impact aside from creating an excellent chance in the dying embers of the game.
Joe Willock 6/10
Failed to take advantage of an excellent chance, putting his shot wide of the mark.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7/10
Provided fresh legs on the right flank after replacing Cedric in the 76th minute. The Englishman notably made an excellent tackle to deny Mane from scoring a potential equaliser.
Sead Kolasinac N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Saka.
