Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners secure statement win

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Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners secure statement win

Arsenal secured a statement victory on Sunday afternoon as they beat a Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool for just the second time in the Premier League to remain at the top of the table.

Gabriel Martinelli got the Gunners off to a flying start as he opened the scoring within the first minute after receiving Martin Odegaard’s delicately weighted pass in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool quickly found their groove, though, and started to assert themselves in the contest. Thiago was dictating proceedings in the middle of the park and they grabbed a deserved equaliser through the much-discussed Darwin Nunez.

But just when it looked like the two sides would head into half-time level, a swift Arsenal transition spearheaded by the unstoppable Martinelli was rounded off by Bukayo Saka at the back post to restore the hosts’ advantage.

It looked like Arsenal would blow the Reds away at the start of the second half before Roberto Firmino equalised superbly against the run of play.

The Gunners didn’t take their foot off the gas, however, and they always looked the more likely to go on and win the game against the leggy visitors.

Their excellent second half was rewarded when Saka scored from the spot after Thiago was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus in the box.

A nervy finish ensured, but the Gunners held on to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners secure statement win

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their statement victory over Liverpool

GOALKEEPERS & DEFENDERS

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5.5/10 – Made a big save in the opening period to prevent a William Saliba own goal, and wasn’t tested a great amount otherwise.

Ben White (RB) – 7.5/10 – Effective on the overlap once more, and while Diogo Jota did outwit him on a couple of occasions, White largely stuck to his task well defensively.

William Saliba (CB) – 6.5/10 – Darwin did give Saliba something to think about with his willingness to run in behind, but the Frenchman’s recovery speed aided Arsenal’s ability to defend in a high line. This perhaps wasn’t Saliba’s most commanding display, but he was efficient in possession and cool in key moments.

Gabriel (CB) – 5/10 – The Brazilian doesn’t look particularly comfortable in a high line and his decision-making has to be questioned. He was at fault for Liverpool’s equaliser in the first half and was perhaps lucky to get away with a handball, too.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – 8.5/10 – A surprise inclusion but Tomiyasu repaid Arteta’s faith by producing a stellar performance up against the quiet Mo Salah.

MIDFIELDERS

Thomas Partey (DM) – 8/10 – Partey’s influence increased as the contest wore on. He played a critical role in ensuring Arsenal were able to dominate for much of the second half.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 7/10 – His movement was superb out of possession and he enjoyed a fantastic second half. Xhaka combined with the imperious Martinelli to overwhelm Liverpool down the left.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 7/10 – Once again, Odegaard produced some wonderful and telling moments with the ball. His assist for Martinelli in the opening minute was sumptuous.

FORWARDS

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 8.5/10 – Tasked with delivering a huge moment for his side, Saka didn’t fold. The young winger twice gave Arsenal the lead, and he showed some serious steel to convert from the spot for the eventual winner.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – 7.5/10 – Jesus’ influence was distinct despite failing to get on the scoresheet. He hassled the Liverpool defence all afternoon and always looked like making something happen. It was the Brazilian who was fouled in the box which led to the game-winning penalty.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 9/10 – Unstoppable. After giving his side the perfect start with a cool finish, Martinelli wreaked havoc down the left all afternoon and it was his brilliant work that handed Arsenal a 2-1 lead at the break.

Substitutes

Kieran Tierney – 5.5/10

Eddie Nketiah – N/A

Fabio Vieira – N/A

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