PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 2-2 ARSENAL

Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against league leaders Arsenal this afternoon. The Gunners took a 2-0 lead before the half hour mark through Martinelli and Jesus, before Salah and Firmino struck back for a share of the spoils. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 7

Cracking save to tip Zinchenko’s curler wide. Quick off his line to sweep expertly, including late on when Arsenal broke three on one. Held onto Gabriel’s header well. Came off his line and held onto crosses as well.

Alexander-Arnold – 7

Tried to set the offside trap on the second goal when he should have been dropping to track Martinelli’s run. Basically earned the side a point with excellent wingplay to nutmeg Zinchenko and clip a perfect cross for Firmino to attack. Almost found the winner with a long range strike. Brilliant second half after a tough first.

Konaté – 8

Best defender in red again and should have won the game at the death. Why he opted to go with his chest instead of his head or feet I will never know. It allowed Ramsdale make another top class save. Ibou won all his challenges, including when he stepped up into midfield to halt attacks on the slide.

Van Dijk – 5

Woeful first half. Passes straight to Martinelli for their first and completely loses Jesus for the second. Sturdier second half. Did well to win a corner to keep the pressure on Arsenal after one set piece was half cleared.

Robertson – 5.5

Abysmal first half. Completely loses Saka for their first goal as he slips and fails to recover. Should have tried to block Martinelli’s effort with his right but being so left biased, went with his left and was too late. Second goal he doesn’t get close enough to Jesus. Had the chance to level but shot wide. After so many years, he’s still got no composure infront of goal. Better second half in keeping Saka quiet.

Fabinho – 7

Fantastic scooped pass put Robertson through on goal at 1-0 but the Scot fired wide. Fabinho was solid enough, and mopped up in midfield as the side kept Arsenal penned in. Saw one shot blocked bravely by Gabriel.

Henderson – 7.5

Tireless display. Constantly got round Salah to create a passing option. Slipped Salah through for a one on one first half. Got into good positions down the right but the delivery wasn’t quite right. Could have scored when he was first to a loose ball in the box first half.

Set up Salah’s goal with a crucial touch in the box. Won the ball back regularly which helped in pinning Arsenal back for the entirety of the second half. Good interplay with Trent for the equaliser.

Jones – 7

First half hour he wasn’t doing enough on the ball, just going backwards and sideways. Last 15 of the half he grew into it. Played a key part in Salah’s goal, with his lovely backheel finding Jota in space for the cross. Second half he got into some good positions but couldn’t make that telling contribution.

Salah – 7.5

Frustrating performance. Looked the likeliest in red to score but missed some glaring chances including a penalty. Just like at Bournemouth, he couldn’t even hit the target from the spot. His touch deserted him so many times thereafter and though he still carried a threat, couldn’t quite make up for the miss. Brought out a stunning save from Ramsdale late on with a deflected curler.

Gakpo – 6.5

Couldn’t get into it much first half. Has lovely feet though, which helps him extricate himself from the tightest of spaces. Never really got a sight of goal bar an early shot after he cut in off the left wing. Took some corners today. That’s a part of his game that made him deadly at PSV.

Jota – 6.5

Scruffy. Ball kept bouncing off him. Couldn’t pick a pass to save his life it seemed. He settled as the game grew and pulled the ball back for the side’s first half goal. He also won the penalty second half after reacting quickest to a lose ball in the box before being fouled by Holding. Made some key clearances in his own box.

Substitutes

Thiago – 7

A beautiful sight to see him stripped on the touchline ready to come on. Not every pass came off but we still saw that trademark cheeky pass a number of occasions. Aided the side’s ball retention and build-up play.

Darwin – 7

Came on and caused the Arsenal defence problems. Won a few free kicks and should have scored when played through by Salah. He never looked convincing though, and saw his sweeping finish palmed by Ramsdale. He produced a monster leap to nod a late set piece across goal for Konaté to tap in at the far post but alas, the Frenchman couldn’t convert.

Firmino – 7.5

‘Give him the ball and he’ll score every time’. What an impact off the bench, against what is his favourite opponents. It was a brilliantly guided header to pull the side level after sustained pressure all half. He won the ball back well in counter pressing moments in midfield.

Jürgen Klopp

The lineup wasn’t a surprise, with the possible exception of Jota starting ahead of Darwin. Credit to the manager for that spirited comeback. The second half was night and day to the opening half hour, with his changes all playing a part in a breathless encounter. His side could have, and quite sincerely should have won.