Arsenal managed to keep their 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions intact thanks to a late equaliser from Alexandre Lacazette as they held Liverpool 1-1.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings:
Bernd Leno (6.5/10): Made the error which initially led to Liverpool’s opener around the hour mark. But, the German international made a couple of vital saves in the first half which was followed by an equally important save to deny Virgil van Dijk in the second half.
Hector Bellerin (8/10): Was an excellent attacking outlet from the flanks, as he made a host of runs across the Liverpool backline. His movement also restricted Robertson from making offensive runs.
Shkodran Mustafi (7.5/10): Looked wobbly at times but certainly a better option than Sokratis in central defence. The German international made a few good tackles in the game.
Rob Holding (8.5/10): The 23-year-old was responsible in regards to his positioning as well as tackling in the defensive half, ultimately vindicating Unai Emery’s decision to start him ahead of Sokratis this weekend.
Sead Kolasinac (7/10): Failed to cause as much trouble as Bellerin on the opposite flank, which is totally understandable given he was returning from a long-term injury. Dealt really well with the threat of Mohamed Salah, however.
Lucas Torreira (8.5/10): His urgency in midfield hurried and hassled the Liverpool midfielders, all of whom looked out of shape this evening. Indeed, the Uruguayan international covered the entire centre of the pitch with ease while making a few attacking runs.
Granit Xhaka (8.5/10): Bossed the midfield by providing excellent support to his partner Torreira. In addition, Xhaka also provided more security into the Gunners defence thanks to his excellent positioning and tackling prowess. He attempted seven tackles, more than anyone else on the pitch, and looked really happy to be back in his preferred central midfield position.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (7.5/10): Performed better than what the fans have seen for the most part of this season. His energetic movements helped Arsenal keep up their momentum in the final third before he was replaced by Alex Iwobi in the second half.
Mesut Ozil (8/10): Ran the rule over the final third with some top-notch passing and fluidic movements. Ozil was very composed on the ball and always tried to find an opening in order to breach a disciplined Liverpool defence. His tally of four key passes is second to none.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (8/10): His pace out on the flanks caused some difficulty for Trent Alexander-Arnold and was one of Arsenal’s most active players in the final third. However, he was shockingly replaced midway through the second half.
Alexandre Lacazette (8.5/10): Linked up well with teammates even in tight spaces and showed excellent zest to keep the defenders occupied throughout the course of the game. However, it was his flawless finish which was the real highlight of his performance this evening.
Substitutes
Alex Iwobi (9/10): Made a huge impact after replacing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 68th minute. His quick-feet and burst of pace made it difficult for the Liverpool defenders to keep track of him. Iwobi’s well-timed through pass to Lacazette initiated Arsenal’s equaliser in the 82nd minute.
Aaron Ramsey (7/10): Failed to make a big impact after coming on for Aubameyang in the 73rd minute. Mostly wandered around the final third but to little effect.
Danny Welbeck (NA): His introduction in the 81st minute provided Arsenal with an extra body in attack, ultimately leading Liverpool to force an extra man behind Welbeck.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
