Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Arsenal Players Rating

Arsenal shown both strength and weakness in a tense 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal got off to a great start, with Bukayo Saka having an instant impression. Saka scored his 50th Premier League goal just nine minutes into the game, following a superbly weighted assist from Ben White, becoming the youngest Arsenal player to do so. Liverpool, on the other hand, immediately levelled the score with Virgil van Dijk’s header from a corner.

Arsenal reclaimed the lead just before halftime thanks to Mikel Merino’s thunderous header from Declan Rice’s free kick. The goal was immediately reviewed for a potential offside, but VAR confirmed Merino was onside by the smallest of margins. Arsenal held on until the 81st minute, when Mohamed Salah scored a late equaliser for Liverpool. Salah took advantage of a counter-attack, finishing calmly after being set up by Darwin Nunez.

Here’s our rating of the Arsenal players based on their performance:

David Raya.GK – 7/10
Raya made many key saves, particularly in the second half, when Liverpool pressed aggressively. His performance was solid, keeping Arsenal in the game.

Thomas Partey. RB – 8/10
Going into this game, many would have been concerned about Partey’s position at right back. It was not necessary. The Ghanaian was simply brilliant.

Ben White. CB – 7.5/10
White played at center-back due to William Saliba’s suspension and performed admirably. He was involved in the build-up to Saka’s goal and held the defense together despite the injuries.

Gabriel Magalhães CB – 6.5/10
Gabriel started the match but had to be substituted due to a knee injury. He showed his usual defensive qualities before going off, leaving the team vulnerable.

Jurrien Timber LB – 6/10
Timber also had to be substituted after suffering an injury. He showed his willingness to play despite being an injury doubt before the match, but his time on the pitch was limited.

Declan Rice CDM – 8/10
Rice was instrumental in Arsenal’s set-piece delivery, providing the assist for Merino’s goal. His overall performance was strong, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Mikel Merino CM – 8.5/10
Merino scored his first goal for Arsenal with a powerful header from Declan Rice’s free-kick. His performance was solid, and he was a key figure in Arsenal’s attack, especially in the first half.

Leandro Trossard CM – 6/10
Trossard was brought on as a substitute and contributed to the team’s efforts, but he didn’t have a significant impact on the match.

Bukayo Saka LW – 9/10
Saka was the standout player of the match. He scored the first goal nine minutes in and became Arsenal’s youngest player to reach 50 Premier League goals. His pace, skill, and determination were on full display throughout the match.

Gabriel Martinelli RW – 7/10
Martinelli was a constant threat on the wings, creating several chances and putting pressure on Liverpool’s defense. His work rate and energy were commendable.

Kai Havertz CF – 6.5/10
Havertz had a few opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals. His positioning and finishing need improvement, but he showed flashes of his potential.

SUBSTITUTES

Myles Lewis-Skelly LB – 6/10
Lewis-Skelly came on as a late substitute and had to deal with the pressure of defending against Liverpool’s attacks. His performance was decent under challenging circumstances.

Jakub Kiwior:  CB -6/10
Didn’t really put a foot wrong after replacing the talismanic Gabriel. Defended solidly and was decent on the ball.

Ethan Nwaneri:
Came on too late for a rating. n/a.

Gabriel Jesus:
Came on too late for a rating. n/a.