Football

Liverpool and Arsenal Player Ratings: Rice Shines, Wirtz Needs Improvement

Arsenal Secures First Premier League Victory at Anfield Since 2012

Kai Havertz’s first-half strike proved decisive as Arsenal triumphed over Liverpool at Anfield, marking their first Premier League win at the venue since 2012.

In this report, we evaluate the performances of both Liverpool and Arsenal players, along with fan ratings.

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Liverpool

Alisson: His costly error—an errant pass—led to Havertz’s opening goal for Arsenal. Despite a remarkable save against Christos Tzolis, the mistake had significant repercussions. 4

Ronald Araujo: Made his 12th straight start and showcased his tenacity, but faced a challenging match against Tzolis on Arsenal’s left side. 6

Jeremy Jacquet: Had a few shaky moments yet overall performed decently, making a crucial tackle after a slip in the second half. 6

Virgil van Dijk: Consistently reliable, he expressed disappointment at Liverpool’s inability to defend effectively, gifting Arsenal the lead. 6

Milos Kerkez: Struggled initially in the first half but provided a superb cross that should have been converted by Alexis Mac Allister. 5

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Trey Nyoni: Received a vote of confidence from manager Andoni Iraola with his first Premier League start. Though a bit anxious early on, he settled into the match. 6

Alexis Mac Allister: Was active throughout the first half but will feel he should have scored from a Kerkez assist. 6

Bradley Barcola: Played on his favored left side and posed problems for Arsenal, although he is still in search of his first Premier League goal. 7

Florian Wirtz: Hit the bar with a powerful free-kick in the first half, yet as a high-value player, he needed to deliver more in critical instances. 6

Cody Gakpo: Showed promise at the start, but Riccardo Calafiori marked him effectively. Had a potential penalty claim turned down by Andy Madley. 5

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Alexander Isak: Found himself in good positions but failed to convert. Felt he was denied a penalty for a shirt pull from Timber. 5

Subs:

Szoboszlai (on 59, Nyoni):Returned after a stint on the sidelines. 6

Ngumoha (on 67, Gakpo): Had limited touches during his time on the pitch. 5

Munoz (on 82, Araujo): Attempted to influence the game with his speed.

Koumas (on 82, Wirtz): Substituted on for added dynamism.

Tsimikas (on 82, Kerkez): Struggled to make an impact on the left side.

Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Gravenberch.

Arsenal

David Raya: Executed a crucial clearance during a first-half threat through the Arsenal defense, maintaining a composed performance. 7

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Jurrien Timber: Took part in an intense duel with Barcola and faced numerous assaults down the right. Perhaps fortunate to escape a penalty for pulling Isak’s shirt. 7

Ezri Konsa: Displayed consistent form, solidifying his position in the Arsenal defense. 8

Gabriel Magalhaes: Effectively managed Isak’s threat as he anchored the Arsenal back line. 8

Riccardo Calafiori: Restricted from attacking frequently but displayed a strong defensive performance. 8

Declan Rice: Assisted Havertz’s goal and was instrumental in the midfield, fueling Arsenal’s victory. 8

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Bruno Guimaraes:Provided an energetic display, contributing to the move that led to the goal before being substituted around the hour mark. 6

Martin Odegaard: Initiated the sequence leading to the opener with a key defensive play. 6

Noni Madueke: Played a vital role in the goal after overcoming an injury issue, although fatigue set in as the match progressed. 6

Christos Tzolis: Returned to the starting lineup after injury, creating danger on the left and forcing Alisson into a superb save with a curling shot. 6

Kai Havertz: Secured the game’s lone goal, which was essential following a challenging period. He was actively involved in play throughout. 7

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Subs:

Myles Lewis-Skelly (on 62, Guimaraes): Came on to help stabilize the game for Arsenal as Liverpool threatened an equalizer. 7

Piero Hincapie (on 84, Tzolis): Substituted in to help secure the victory. 6

Viktor Gyokeres (on 84, Havertz): Entered to offer a deeper attacking threat. 6

Merino (on 88, Odegaard): Introduced for added defensive solidity in the final moments.

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Eze, Zubimendi.

How did you rate the players?

zidane

Senior Football Editor & Tactical Contributor at FootemAssist.