Player Ratings as Liverpool Battle Back in Arsenal 2-2 Draw | OneFootball

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League came roaring back with a Super Sunday encounter between two English powerhouses, as Liverpool arrived at the Emirates for game week nine.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game steadily and could do nothing for the opening goal, as Bukayo Saka riffled the ball into the roof of the net. Some solid build up play (with ball at feet) was needed after this, as the reds looked to engage the Arsenal press. The second goal conceded was point blank range and again, there was little he could have done.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was calm and composed against efforts that came his way.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0

The England superstar started with a desire to be combative and alert to the Martinelli dangers, whilst maintaining good progressive moments on the ball.

Following the half time break, the vice-captain was keen to get involved and attempt to create more incisive patterns of play. His hockey assist was superb for the equalizer.

Andy Robertson – 4.0

The Scotland international captain was horribly caught out for both skill and pace for the opening goal, as his defensive deficiencies were exploited with a long ball and some intricate skill (by Saka) within his own penalty box.

In the second half of this game, the legendary fullback was targeted and struggled to overcome the pressure before he was replaced.

Subbed – 63 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0 (Man of the Match)

The France international defender was alert to various dangers in his own defensive third, as his work in the opening period was vital to keeping Arsenal at bay.

After the half time team talk, the former RB Leipzig man mountain was ferocious and combative to ensure his team had a chance of the spoils.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was a little rattled early on, however, his towering presence was perfect in winning the header to level the game. Was guilty of being a little deep for the second goal, as the reds went into the tunnel a goal behind.

After the break, his authority and positional sense was tested, as the hosts probed and made him work for everything.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Duch midfielder was a little passive in the first half, as an eager Arsenal midfield overwhelmed that middle ground area in a frenzied first half.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was a little more involved and purposeful, as he tried to drive his men forward.

Photo: IMAGO

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with a remit to control, as he looked to put his foot on the ball and use his body and mid to overcome. A tough opening 45-minutes was undertaken, one which he and his teammates struggled to truly control.

After the halftime team talk, the leader in midfield was running his heart out, however, his early booking ensured he left the pitch early.

Subbed – 63 mins

Curtis Jones – 6.0

The England under-21 European champion started this game in place of the Hungarian skipper, Dominik Szoboszlai, with a desire to be a link from midfield to attack. His first half was a tough period, as space was filled with home assets eager to press the ball.

In the second period, the versatile midfielder was more proactive on the ball and covered lots of ground to combat a stern opponent.

Luis Díaz – 6.0

The Colombian flyer was eager to work and despite his on-ball skillset, was unable to really make anything work through a cagey first half.

As the game resumed, the output of the former Porto man was limited due to the game state.

Subbed – 63 mins

Darwin Núñez – 8.0

The Uruguayan striker was a bundle of energy and work, as his off-ball exploits shone throughout a busy first half.

After the restart, the former Benfica man was again unstoppable in his desire and his superb run allowed him to deliver the perfect assist for the reds second goal.

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was marked out of the first half, as he struggled to make any real imprint on the first 45-minutes.

After the break, the former Chelsea man was again surrounded, however, his instinctive run and positioning allowed him to score the reds second equaliser.

Substitutions:

Cody Gakpo – 7.0 (on 73)

Came on to add a more direct variation.

Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0 (on 73)

Came on to add a little more physicality.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0 (on 81)

Came on and gave more power and thrust to the press.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get his preferred starting eleven on the pitch, as he set out his team to go head-to-head with a title rival.

All the substitutions made sense with Andy Robertson perhaps outstaying his welcome.

Steven Smiths’ Pre-match Prediction:

Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool