Arsenal’s excellent run of form came to an end on Monday as they slump to a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. It was a competent display from the Gunners, but the champions’ quality going forward proved too much for them as goals Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota sealed a hard-fought victory, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring the only goal for Arsenal.
Arsenal Players Rated Against Liverpool
Bernd Leno 7.5/10
Made a few excellent saves throughout the game but had no chance in saving any of the three goals scored by Liverpool this evening.
Rob Holding 7/10
Rob Holding provided a commendable defensive effort, which was shadowed by the scoreline. He was competent and strong, especially during the second half of the 45 minutes.
David Luiz 6.5/10
David Luiz had an average game at the heart of the three-man backline for Arsenal this evening. The Brazilian tried to marshal the backline, but Liverpool had too much quality going forward.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Kieran Tierney had a disastrous first half, completely failing to keep up with Mohamed Salah on the left flank. However, the Scot vastly improved in the second phase of the game, providing the solidity while also moving forward whenever it was necessary.
Hector Bellerin 7/10
Hector Bellerin impressed with his overall work-rate throughout the game. The Spaniard was intent on making a mark with his offensive forays down the flank but received very little support from teammates.
Mohamed Elneny 7/10
Mohamed Elneny played an interesting role in midfield, often joining the centre-forwards in the first line of press. It proved to be detrimental for Arsenal, however, as it left Granit Xhaka way too exposed at times. A good shift for the Egyptian otherwise.
Granit Xhaka 6/10
Provided an excellent pass to Lacazette, with the pass eventually leading to the opener from Arsenal. However, the Swiss may have done a better job in covering the half-spaces and intercepting passes. Hooked off around the hour-mark.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 5/10
It wasn’t the best of games for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who made very little impact on the left flank. He made some good runs and did not provide any defensive support to Tierney, especially in the first half. Also lacked the sharpness and the intent to find telling passes.
Willian 5/10
An awful evening for Willian, who was barely involved in the proceedings. The Brazilian continues his disappointing run of form after initially making a promising start to his Arsenal career.
Alexandre Lacazette 6/10
Yet another sloppy performance from Alexandre Lacazette, who was lucky to score the opener in the first place. The Frenchman was caught offside way too many times and missed two glorious opportunities to score, although one of them was ruled offside. He is simply not clinical enough.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 5/10
Aubameyang was anonymous for the majority of the game, barely making any impact with his trademark runs in behind the defence. Also missed a late opportunity to pull one back for Arsenal.
SUBSTITUTES
Dani Ceballos 8/10
Came on for Xhaka around the hour-mark and completely changed the complexion of the game. The Spaniard was willing to press the opposition, win back possession and then deliver that telling final ball. He was, in fact, created at least three golden opportunities for Arsenal in the final thirty minutes.
Nicolas Pepe 5.5/10
Offered very little after replacing Willian during the final phase of the game. Bukayo Saka would have been a more able replacement.
Eddie Nketiah 5.5/10
Didn’t make any impact after replacing Lacazette. Had very little time to do so.
