Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Liverpool’s hopes of joining the 2017/18 Manchester City side as the only side to reach the 100-point threshold were dashed after a 2-1 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Looking to rebound after their disappointing tie against Burnley on Saturday, the Reds began the match energetic and focused. Arsenal struggled mightily to break Liverpool’s high press, as Liverpool dominated the opening stages.

Liverpool’s liveliness was nearly rewarded just five minutes in when Roberto Firmino deflected an Emiliano Martinez clearance off the crossbar.

As pressure continued to mount, it seemed inevitable that Liverpool were to open the scoring and the deadlock was finally broken on 20 minutes. Neat build-up play between Firmino and Andy Robertson allowed the Scottish full-back to find Mane, who fired home from close range.

In complete control, it was hard to envision a scenario in which the Gunners were to create the necessary chances to claw their way back into the game. They didn’t need to, however, as Liverpool gifted them the opportunities they needed.

For once, Virgil van Dijk was too calm on the ball and his tame pass back to Alisson was intercepted by Alexander Lacazette who rounded the keeper and fired home.
Just a bit later, Alisson misplaced a pass to Robertson, giving Arsenal possession in a dangerous area. Eventually, the ball was crossed to Reiss Nelson, who punished Alisson for his error to make it 2-1 going into halftime.

Liverpool were firmly in control in the second half, conjuring chance after chance. In the end, Liverpool outshot Arsenal 24-3, but Arsenal’s backline was able to hold on to secure their first Premier League victory over Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took charge.

Player Ratings
GK – Alisson: 4
Generally so reliable, Alisson made a rare error to gift Arsenal the winner. Had nothing else to deal with otherwise, providing him no chance to atone for his mistake.

LB – Andy Robertson: 7
Linked well with Mane down the left flank and provided the cross that Mane converted for Liverpool’s goal. Most of Liverpool’s attacks came down his side. Faced virtually no threat from Arsenal’s attacking players.

CB – Virgil van Dijk: 4
The Dutchman today showed that he is, indeed, mortal. His lazy mistake, despite weak claims of a foul, gifted Arsenal their first goal. Like the other defenders, didn’t have much else to deal with.

CB – Joe Gomez: 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the game. Won the physical battle with Lacazette and was commanding in the air.

RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6
Less involved than usual, as most of the attack came on the opposite flank. Did have a few dangerous deliveries, but an overall quiet performance for the 21-year-old.

CM – Fabinho: 7
A trademark Fabinho performance saw him tidily shield the backline. Made some good tackles and played a few threatening over-the-top passes that didn’t quite come off.

CM – Georginio Wijnaldum (Subbed after 83’): 6
Lively early on, providing useful assistance to Mane and Robertson on the left flank. Faded as the game progressed.

CM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Subbed after 61'): 5

Not in great form at the moment. The former Gunner failed to make an impact on proceedings, misplacing a few passes and struggling to find gaps in the compact Arsenal midfield.

LW – Sadio Mane: 8

Liverpool’s best player by far. Gave Cedric quite a lot to deal with, constantly dribbling at the fullback and making runs in behind. His chemistry with Robertson was on full display today, highlighted by their link-up for the goal.

RW – Mohamed Salah (Subbed after 83’): 5

Strangely quiet performance from the Egyptian today. Rarely touched the ball in the first half. More involved in the second half, but squandered the chances that he had to level the score.

ST – Roberto Firmino (Subbed after 61’): 6

It felt like the goal-scoring drought may be starting to get to Firmino’s head, but still performed quite well today. Was extremely unlucky not to take advantage of Martinez’s error to score early on, came deep quite often to facilitate the attack, and helped create Liverpool’s lone goal.

Substitutes:

Naby Keita (61’): 7

Showed his eagerness to make an impact. Had a few off-target passes, but also created a threat with his driving runs forward. Definitely staked a claim for his return to the starting lineup in the last two games of the season.

Takumi Minamino (61’): 7

Best performance in a Liverpool shirt to date, showing why he’s more suited to operate in a false nine role than on the wing. Some neat touches, turns, and flicks posed a threat to Arsenal’s backline and was unlucky not to score. Promising.

Divock Origi (83’): N/A

Tried to make an impact in the little time he had on the field but failed to do so.

Xherdan Shaqiri (83’): N/A

The brief cameo gave the Swiss international almost no chance to change the game in his first appearance since January.