Here we have with us the Arsenal player ratings as they suffer a blow in the top-four march against Liverpool. The Reds came out as the better side against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium. The game was a tight contest and needed a moment of magic. Liverpool were able to do a bit more than the Gunners and they did get their reward.
Thiago gave away the ball to Alexandre Lacazette who was one on one with Alisson. However, the goalkeeper put him under pressure and forced him to go wide. Lacazette played the ball to Odegaard whose effort was saved by Alisson. This is where Arsenal should have pounced and needed to be more clinical to open the scoring.
However, Thiago revived himself when he got an assist for the first goal. Thiago’s pass through the lines to directly find Diogo Jota’s line was enough to set the Portuguese. Jota finished at the near post from a very tight angle to take the lead for Liverpool.
Liverpool doubled their lead when Saka failed to clear the ball and Robertson had loads of time to get in a good position. Robertson then found Roberto Firmino at near post whose faint touch was enough to double the lead. Arsenal had 2 shots on target while Liverpool had 3 shots on target which shows how the game was equally poised.
Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool
Aaron Ramsdale – 5/10
Pulled off a good save from Van Dijk’s header but could have done better to avoid getting beaten at the near post. Did not look confident after conceding the first.
Cedric Soares – 7/10
He had a really good first half where he attacked and also defended well. However, he was unfortunate to concede both the goals from his side in the second half.
Ben White – 6/10
Dealt well with Liverpool’s front three, especially with Sadio Mane. However, both goals came from his side, and seemed to have lost confidence after that.
Gabriel – 6/10
Played a hand in conceding Firimino’s goal and was beaten at times by long floated balls. He did not play his worst game but was not up to the standards he has set for himself recently.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Handled Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane very well using his pace to catch up with them. However, he failed to get forward and have an impact in the offense.
Thomas Partey – 8/10
Was calm and collected throughout the game in spite of strong press from Liverpool’s side. He was one of the few good performers on the Arsenal side.
Martin Odegaard – 6/10
Missed a good chance when Thiago’s backpass was laid into the hands of Lacazette. Liverpool had to be alert around Odegaard and that shows how important the Norwegian has become for the Gunners.
Granit Xhaka – 6/10
Performed well compared to what he has done against Liverpool’s press in the past. However, he couldn’t help get Arsenal back into the game.
Bukayo Saka – 6/10
Was not able to make things happen and failed to create chances in the final third. Moreover, he also suffered because of how well Liverpool were marking Odegaard.
Alexandre Lacazette – 6/10
Does well physically to hold on to the ball and create a few chances. However, fails to get into good positions to score like he did for Martinelli’s chance.
Gabriel Martinelli – 9/10
Without a doubt Arsenal’s best player on the pitch. Gave Trent nightmares with his movement and could have gotten himself an assist on another day.
Substitutes
Emile-Smith Rowe – 6/10
Brought in fresh legs but couldn’t change anything as even he struggled to cope with Liverpool’s press.
Nicolas Pepe – 6/10
Couldn’t do enough to influence the game but tried to do a couple of things.
Eddie Nketiah – 6/10
Virgil van Dijk kept him quiet for the whole time while he was on the pitch.
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