Arsenal took a huge stride in their pursuit of the Premier League title as they beat Liverpool 3-1 at the Emirates on Sunday, February 4.
The Gunners came into the game trailing the Reds by five points in the table. In a huge clash with potential title ramifications, Mikel Arteta’s side completely dominated the game. They created multiple chances in the first half and were rewarded in the 14th minute as Bukayo Saka scored.
Arsenal dominated the first half but helped Liverpool get back into the game in first-half stoppage time. William Saliba made a huge error that led to Gabriel Magalhaes’ own goal to make it 1-1.
Liverpool created some pressure early in the second half but failed to capitalize on it. Gabriel Martinelli then scored in the 67th minute after a calamitous error from Alisson and Virgil van Dijk. Leandro Trossard completed the scoring in stoppage time with another mistake by Alisson.
The north London side are now just two points behind the Reds in the table. On that note, let’s check out Arsenal vs Liverpool Player Ratings:
Arsenal Player Ratings:
David Raya (6/10)
He made one save and completed 10/27 passes.
Ben White (7/10)
Mostly dealt well with Luis Diaz, winning 8/9 duels. White completed 24/30 passes and made three clearances.
William Saliba (5/10)
Saliba had a poor outing as he was at fault for Liverpool’s only goal. He completed 29/37 passes and won 3/8 duels.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6.5/10)
Gabriel gave away an own goal but could’ve barely done anything about it. Other than that, he completed 42/47 passes, won 7/11 duels, and made three tackles, three clearances, and two interceptions.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10)
The left-back won 3/5 duels, made two tackles, and completed 15/17 passes.
Martin Odegaard (7.5/10)
The Arsenal captain was excellent against Liverpool He completed 27/36 passes, made three key passes, created two big chances and won 3/8 duels.
Declan Rice (7/10)
Rice completed 43/50 passes, made two key passes, won 6/11 duels, and made four tackles, two interceptions and two clearances.
Jorginho (7/10)
He completed 45/52 passes, made one key pass, won 7/13 duels, and made four interceptions, two tackles, and two clearances.
Bukayo Saka (7/10)
The young winger scored the opening goal of the game. He completed 16/27 passes, and won 3/5 duels, but missed one big chance and lost possession 16 times.
Kai Havertz (6./10)
Havertz had another underwhelming outing in an Arsenal shirt. He missed two big chances, completed 17/20 passes, won 6/24 duels, and made three clearances.
Gabriel Martinelli (7.5/10)
Martinelli was excellent in the game and scored a goal as well. He completed 16/19 passes, completed 1/2 dribble attempts, made one key pass and created one big chance.
Arsenal Substitutes:
Jakub Kiwior (7/10)
He came on in the second half and was mostly solid. Kiwior completed 10/12 passes, won 3/3 duels, made two clearances and three tackles.
Leandro Trossard (7/10)
He came on in the 74th minute and scored Arsenal’s third goal. He completed 2/4 passes, won 2/3 duels and completed his one dribble attempt.
Reiss Nelson (6/10)
He completed 3/3 passes and made one clearance.
Also Read: Arsenal Eyeing Summer Swoop for Man United’s Marcus Rashford Amidst Controversy
Liverpool Player Ratings:
Alisson Becker (5/10)
Alisson had a poor outing as he was directly at fault for two of Arsenal’s three goals. He made saves but cost his side the game regardless.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)
He completed 15/21 passes, made one key pass, and won 1/4 duels.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10)
Had a good battle with Gabriel Martinelli on Liverpool’s left side of defense. Konate made four clearances, and two interceptions and won 7/10 duels. He was, however, sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10)
Van Dijk made four clearances and two interceptions, won 8/9 duels and completed 85/95 passes. However, he could’ve done better for two of the Gunners’ three goals.
Joe Gomez (6/10)
Gomez completed 28/39 passes, won 3/6 duels, made one clearance and lost possession 19 times.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10)
Gravenberch completed 12/14 passes, completed 2/2 dribble attempts, won 4/9 duels and made one clearance.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10)
Mac Allister had a decent game Arsenal barring some poor moments. He completed 52/59 passes, made two key passes, won 11/14 duels and also took three shots.
Curtis Jones (6/10)
He completed 36/45 passes, won 1/6 duels and lost possession 12 times.
Cody Gakpo (6/10)
Gakpo showed industry but couldn’t make a big impact. He completed 6/11 passes, won 4/9 duels, and made one attempt on goal.
Diogo Jota (6/10)
Struggled to get into the game with less service. Jota completed 19/24 passes, made two key passes, won 4/12 duels and, and made two tackles.
Luis Diaz (7/10)
Diaz did well to help create Liverpool’s only goal as he bullied Saliba to lead to a Gabriel own goal. Diaz completed 17/21 passes, won 6/17 duels, and lost possession 16 times.
Liverpool Substitutes:
Andrew Robertson (6/10)
He came on in the 58th minute and completed 18/20 passes and won 0/1 duel.
Harvey Elliott (6/10)
He also came on in the 58th minute and completed 19/20 passes, won 0/5 duels, and made one interception.
Darwin Nunez (6/10)
He came on in the 58th minute and completed just 3/4 passes. Nunez won 2/3 duels and completed his solitary dribble attempt.
Thiago Alcantara
Came on too late to have any effect on the game.