Here are our Arsenal player ratings from their 0-2 loss in the second leg against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Diego Jota’s brace booked Liverpool a place in the finals against Chelsea.
Arsenal have crashed out of both cup competitions in a matter of two weeks. Nottingham Forest edged Arsenal 1-0 in their 3rd round of the FA Cup.
Arsenal made a good start to the game but got nothing tangible to show for it. Lacazette came closest to scoring for the home side as his 4th-minute freekick was denied only by the crossbar.
Liverpool grew into the game as Jota gave Jurgen Klopp‘s side a vital away goal in the 19th minute. Arsenal’s defense failed to close down Jota as he made his way to the edge of the box and scuffed his shot past Ramsdale who was left wrong-footed.
Jota doubled Liverpool’s lead in the second half to put the game out of Arsenal’s reach. Martinelli lost possession to Alexander Arnold near the halfway line. The full-back’s lofted ball over Gunner’s backline found Jota in space. The Portuguese forward took a brilliant first touch with his chest to bring the ball down and guided it past Ramsdale who overcommitted by charging forward.
To make things worse, Thomas Partey got sent off in the 90th minute for a second yellow card offense.
Liverpool were the deserved winner at the end of the night. Another cup exit means Arteta can put all his focus into the league now and concentrate on securing a top 4 finish.
Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool
Aaron Ramsdale: 5/10
Not his finest showing for the club. Could have done better on both the goals. Left wrong-footed for the opener and over-committed for the second.
Kieran Tierney: 6/10
One of the better performers for the home side. Got forward as much as possible but did not trouble the Liverpool defense.
Gabriel 5/10
Not convincing enough. Failed to display authority and had some nervy moments in possession of the ball.
Ben White 5/10
Failed to keep up with Diego Jota, played him on for the second goal. Poor on the ball and a below-average performance in all.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: 4/10
Played a part in conceding both the goals. Jota skipped past him easily for the opener. Looked very rusty throughout the game and got booked in the second half.
Sambi Lokonga: 6/10
Got overrun in the midfield. Showed some physicality and aggression but his inexperience was apparent. Needed a partner in the midfield.
Martin Odegaard: 6.5/10
Orchestrated the midfield with a fine passing display. Could become a real asset for the Gunners in the coming years.
Emile Smith Rowe: 5/10
Looked energetic but lost possession in some key situations, thus failing to exploit the Liverpool defense. Taken off for Partey in the 74th minute.
Bukayo Saka 6/10
Quiet in the first half of the game. Was Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet at times but Robertson was equal to him.
Gabriel Martinelli: 7/10
Arguably Arsenal’s best player on the night. Started brightly but faded as the game went on. Fast and direct and looked like the only player who could make something happen for the home side.
Alexandre Lacazette: 5/10
Wasted Arsenal’s biggest chance of the game as he blazed his shot over the bar from Lokonga’s pass. Hit the bar with his freekick.
Substitutes
Eddie Nketiah 5/10
Barely got into the game. Did nothing noteworthy.
Thomas Partey 3/10
Came back to domestic football but did not help Arsenal’s cause. Replaced Smith Rowe in the 74th minute and got sent off for receiving a second yellow. A night to forget for the Ghanaian international.
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