Here we have with us the Liverpool player ratings in a 0-0 draw against 10-man Arsenal at Anfield. This was the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final however, both teams failed to take advantage. Granit Xhaka was once again booked with a red card in the 24th minute with a reckless last-man challenge on Diogo Jota.
Liverpool were not at the best game and were not able to find spaces even after a red card to Arsenal. The Reds had only one shot on target but they did not fail to create chances. However, they lacked the final pass or the finishing in the final third. They will look forward to the second leg to get a second chance against Arsenal.
The match was not as exciting as the previous Liverpool vs Arsenal matches we have watched. In fact, both teams had only one shot on target in the entire game. However, both Liverpool fans and Arsenal expected more from Liverpool. Nevertheless, this shall not be mistaken with what great job Arsenal has done defensively to keep the scores level.
The 2nd leg will take place on 21st January and both teams will rectify what went wrong in the first leg. Arsenal will give it their all as they are the underdogs here. However, it also seems difficult for Liverpool to win the Premier League this season and will go for every other trophy possible.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Arsenal
Alisson – 7/10
Started his first-ever game in this competition and was not tested as much.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4/10
He returned from COVID and as expected he had a little off performance as he struggled with crosses and blocked shots.
Joel Matip – 8/10
He was Liverpool’s Man of the Match as he had the energy which everyone else on the pitch lacked. Moreover, he also tried setting up a few chances for the team.
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
He had a couple of hairy moments but was strong in the air. Furthermore, he displayed his long passing range.
Andy Robertson – 5/10
Since Cedric got injured early he had to face a third-choice Arsenal right side. He looked lively but was not as accurate with his deliveries as he usually is.
Fabinho – 6/10
He was the best midfielder out of the three and he did well to win possession back several times. However, even he can do better on his day but that was not the case.
Jordan Henderson – 4/10
Henderson had some shaky moments but was lucky to have Van Dijk at the backline. It was a night to forget for the skipper.
James Milner – 4/10
He had the aggression that he usually has but failed to supply the ball to the forward line. He couldn’t act as a link between the midfield and attack.
Diogo Jota – 5/10
He started on the right to accommodate Minamino. However, he couldn’t do more with very little supply from behind. His run led to the Xhaka red card which did prove to be a plus point for Liverpool.
Takumi Minamino – 4/10
He scored in all of his League Cup matches before however, this was an exception as everyone failed to find the back of the net.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
He was the best player from Liverpool’s forward line. Firmino did well to press and run but failed to score and did not get proper chances to finish.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones – 7/10
He had added the much-needed spark to the game with his energy and enthusiasm.
Neco Williams – 6/10
He also added the energy and put in a few crosses. However, Ramsdale found most of them.
Joe Gomez – N/A
His job was to give security at the back and maintain pressure on Arsenal but he did not have any moments of significance.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
He had a few ideas to enhance the game failed to execute them which was important.
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