A clash of heavyweights and a fixture that has provided sparks and entertainment on a consistent basis for years now, Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield at a time where the goings are tough the teams and with each needing to win, the match was well poised as the game kicked off. Liverpool drew first blood with a well-worked goal as Sadio Mane’s low cross found Firmino on the left who took a touch to kill it past Cech. Mane made Anfield erupt again in some time with a drilled shot that whizzed by the keeper but Arsenal responded in the second half.
Alexis Sanchez who came out on half time made a run and lay the ball ahead for Welbeck who chipped it over magnificently to flare up any hopes of a gunner comeback but a swift counter attack late in the game saw Wijnaldum slot home an accurate delivery from Origi.
The Best & Worst Liverpool Players Rated From Their Incredible Win Over Arsenal
GK: Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Hardly had anything to do throughout the game but made a crucial save in the second half of Giroud’s header. Needs to keep this consistency to cement his place.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne: 7/10
A much improved and effective performance with a great display of energy down the right. Constantly pacing on the flanks but also sound defensively. Just needs to deliver better and add a tad of quality to his end product.
CB: Joel Matip – 7.5/10
Won the aerial battle against Olivier Giroud and towered at the back impressively. Made a last ditch challenge to deny Sanchez as well. What a signing he has been!
CB: Ragnar Klavan – 7/10
Wasn’t called in much but did a tidy job whenever he was. He is vital for this Liverpool team and such performances would see him retain his place.
LB: James Milner – 7/10
He’s an influential figure even if he’s a left back and he made his presence known. He played a good part in Mane’s goal, his delivery looked better overall. A very good performance overall.
CM: Emre Can – 6.5/10
A new role for Emre Can as he played in the positions of Jordan Henderson and he did a very good job which will be something for Klopp to consider. He shielded the defence and was aggressive with challenges. Refreshing!
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 8/10
He was woeful at the King Power but boy what a fabulous performance at Anfield! His strength and Intelligence was as good as his ability to perform and expand the play with the ball. Played a crucial part in Mane’s goal and clinically shot last Cech for the third. He really needs to be consistently like this because on his day he’s a beautiful player.
CM: Adam Lallana – 8/10
In an advanced role, his flair and clever movements, as well as the usage of the ball in possession, is eye catching and his work rate was sublime as usual. Played a good part in the third goal as well. Terrific!
RF: Sadio Mane – 9/10
His pace troubled Arsenal all night dazzling his way through and exploiting the space offered to him. He played a sweet ball for Firmino’s opener but contrastingly his finish for the second was ruthless. Man of the match!
CF: Roberto Firmino – 8.5/10
The link up play and his holding ability were a highlight and he is really good in the air even though he doesn’t look like. He’s established himself as a key component of the attack and he proved it again.
LF: Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
He tore arsenal with his flair and skill as well as the unpredictability on the ball and Cech had to deny him twice. He’s the Brazilian who needs to keep this up as much as he can until May because Liverpool needs him at this level undoubtedly.
