A rather expected result came in the clash between Liverpool and Arsenal on Saturday, as the Reds gunned down the Gunners 4-0 at Anfield. A dominating performance by the hosts was enough to take them to 2nd place in the Premier League table. Now, let’s have a look at the match recap and provide player ratings for Liverpool lads for the performances they displayed against Arsenal.
The game had a patchy start, with both teams seeming inconsistent. However, the inevitable Liverpool press came soon as they started breaking Arsenal’s backline. Some crucial saves by Aaron Ramsdale kept the Reds at bay, but not for long. A superb free-kick cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold was met by a perfect header from Sadio Mane to give the team the lead in the first half.
Given Arsenal’s recent form, the team were expected to bounce back and give a fight in the second half. However, Mikel Arteta’s side started crumbling even more. A misplaced back pass from Nuno Tavares gifted Diogo Jota a perfect ball to make it 2-0 for the Reds. Jurgen Klopp’s side did not hold back after two and ended the game with two more, one from their talisman Mohamed Salah and one from Takumi Minamino.
Liverpool player ratings vs Arsenal
Alisson Becker (GK) (7.5): Solid on goal, clean sheet locked. Made a few saves, wasn’t tested much.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) (10): MAN OF THE MATCH. Assisted Mane with a brilliant freekick. Another assist for Minamino.
Joel Matip (CB) (7): Paired well with van Dijk and cleared his lines well.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB) (7.5): Controlled the backline well, made few clearances.
Konstantinos Tsimikas (LB) (7): Defended well and created a few crosses.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM) (8): Chased the ball well. Made a crucial block to keep Arsenal away. Pressed the backline well.
Fabinho (CDM) (7.5): Solid in the middle of the pitch. Won a lot of second balls to keep possession.
Thiago Alcantara (LCM) (7.5): Kept good possession and drove the ball well. Won the ball multiple times.
Mohammed Salah (RW) (8.5): High energy pressing and dribbling. Missed a sitter but got a goal later in the game.
Sadio Mane (LW) (9.5): Simply at his best. Troubled Tomiyasu throughout. Scored a smashing opening header and assisted Salah. Could have been MotM.
Diogo Jota (ST) (7.5): Scored the team’s second goal, but a bit wasteful with 2 more chances.
Substitutes:
Takumi Minamino (7): Came on in the 76th minute, scored with his first touch of the night.
Jordan Henderson (6.5): Kept possession well at the centre of the park.
Tyler Morton (4): Did not get the chance to show anything.
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