Here we have with us the Arsenal player ratings as they held on to a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. This was the first leg of the semi-final of the EFL Cup nevertheless, both teams failed to get an advantage. However, Liverpool did have a little bit of an advantage as Granit Xhaka was shown a red card in the 24th minute.
Arsenal were saved by a brilliant defensive display and Arteta‘s orchestration. Moreover, Liverpool were not at their best. This helped the Gunners to secure a draw from just 10-men at Anfield. As a result, Arsenal will now have some confidence going into the 2nd leg at the Emirates Stadium. They will look forward to somehow getting past Liverpool and having a chance at winning silverware.
Furthermore, the match was not as entertaining or nail-biting to watch as both teams had just one shot on target. However, credit, where it is due as Arsenal, did a great job to stop Liverpool from scoring at Anfield that too with 10-men. Nevertheless, Liverpool players also looked lackluster and could have taken advantage.
The second leg will take place on January 21st, and both teams will try to make up for what went wrong in the first. In addition, Arsenal will give it their all despite the fact that they are the underdogs in this match. However, it appears that Liverpool will struggle to win the Premier League this season and will pursue every other prize available.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Aaron Ramsdale – 6/10
Arsenal did a great job in preventing shots on target and Ramsdale had very little to do. However, he could have been tighter on crosses.
Cedric Soares – N/A
He was forced off a hip injury which tried to soldier through but that did not work. Therefore, he left the pitch in the 10th minute.
Ben White – 9/10
Ben White showed why he was signed for Arsenal. The defenders had immense pressure with Liverpool’s press but White did an excellent job to cancel the press.
Gabriel – 8/10
Was the best in the air and no other player won a header against him. Solid performance from the Brazilian.
Kieran Tierney – 8/10
Defended his area well and ran forward to close the gaps or to either support the attack.
Bukayo Saka – 8/10
Outstanding performance from Saka in the midfield after a red card. Saka did all he could and was tight all the game.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 7/10
This was only his second start in over a month and had a tough job to do. However, he did all he could to prevent Liverpool from scoring.
Granit Xhaka – 4/10
Sent off in just the 24th minute and killed the game for Arsenal. A reckless challenge from the Swiss international.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8/10
Martinelli ran and ran for each and every loose ball and even for the balls that could have been loose. He was evidently tired after the hour mark after his great commitment.
Eddie Nketiah – 5/10
He was asked to play several different roles and showed his intention to do so. However, he was substituted after Xhaka was sent off.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7/10
Although he did not have many attacking to do in this game, he did everything he could like killing time and fighting for fouls and bringing others into the game.
Substitutes
Calum Chambers – 7/10
Like many other players, he put in all the effort he could. He featured after a long time and it was a big ask to him to match the intensity of the game.
Rob Holding – 7/10
Did a great job sitting in a low block between Gabriel and White. He was compact as well to avoid gaps in the back three.
Nuno Tavares – N/A
Had to defend ahead of Gabriel but did not get much time to influence the game.
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