Liverpool Player Ratings vs Arsenal: Unlucky Reds Impress With Resolute Defending

Liverpool failed to capitalise on their three-game winning run after playing out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

The Reds were under the cosh for a large period of the game before they scored against the run of play around the hour mark through James Milner.

However, the Gunners made an exceptional comeback soon after conceding the goal, throwing players forward before finally equalising in the 82nd minute.

In the end, Liverpool will be disappointed having had a perfectly on-side goal disallowed and hitting the woodwork twice.

Liverpool player ratings vs Arsenal

Alisson (7.5/10): Did well to deny Alexandre Lacazette and later, Lucas Torreira but was somewhat culpable for conceding the equaliser as he committed himself to clear Alex Iwobi’s well-timed through ball. A decent game overall with three saves.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10): Struggled defensively as Arsenal players utilised the right flank. Alex Iwobi, in particular, caused a myriad of problems for the 20-year-old late in the game.

Joe Gomez (7.5/10): A convincing display from Joe Gomez, who did his job well at the heart of the Liverpool defence. He won three aerial duels while making eight clearances despite suffering a nasty headed collision with teammate James Milner in the second half.

Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10): While van Dijk was quite solid in defence, he caused a lot of problems for the Arsenal defence as well thanks to his intimidating presence which made him a target man from set-pieces. Similarly, his towering presence at the back also minimized Arsenal’s effectiveness from set pieces.

Andrew Robertson (6.5/10): A fairly quiet game for Robertson, who was completely occupied by Henrikh Mkhitaryan as well as the marauding Hector Bellerin. He did produce a couple of promising crosses, however.

Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10): Unlike in recent matches, Wijnaldum struggled to impose himself in midfield largely thanks to the dynamic presence of Lucas Torreira. Arsenal’s quality in their midfield ranks also minimised his effectiveness in half spaces although he was quite composed in possession, boasting a pass accuracy of 89%.

Fabinho (6/10): Made a couple of rash tackles and was deservedly booked soon after the restart which restricted him to play a more cagey game.

James Milner (8/10): One of Liverpool’s best players on the pitch, James Milner scored against the run of play when he calmly finished a loose ball around the hour mark. Aside from the goal, he was quite industrious, creating a few chances in the final third while linking up well with his teammates. He was involved in a nasty collision with Gomez later on but soldiered on bravely.

Sadio Mane (8.5/10): Arguably the most impressive Liverpool player this evening, Sadio Mane wreaked havoc on the left flank, after initially making a slow start to the game. The Senegalese international made a plethora of runs in behind the defence and was unlucky not to score a goal.

Mohamed Salah (7/10): A lot of movement in the final third, causing trouble for Arsenal defence. But, the Egyptian wizard once again lacked the desired end-product.

Roberto Firmino (7/10): Ineffective for the large period of the game although he was quite useful in the second half when Liverpool started to gain some momentum. He made way for Xherdan Shaqiri later in the game.

Substitutes

Xherdan Shaqiri (NA)

Joel Matip (NA)

Stat courtesy: Whoscored