Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: Gyokeres drops 3/10 stinker as five 5/10 disappoint | Football | Sport
A mix-up at the back presented Conor Bradley with an open net, but the right-back could only find the crossbar with his lofted effort. Arsenal hearts were in mouths again just after the restart, after Leandro Trossard was wrong-sided by Florian Wirtz, but replays confirmed Anthony Taylor was right to wave away any claims for a penalty. It set the tone for things to come, with Arsenal failing to register a shot in the second half until added time. Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners…
Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool
David Raya – 6
He was almost involved in a defensive howler when rushing out to collect a ball that William Saliba had already decided to pass it back. Otherwise, the Spanish goalkeeper was completely untested.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Didn’t really put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes, with the Dutchman chipping in at both ends of the pitch.
William Saliba – 6
The other party involved in the mistake that almost cost a goal, but it was otherwise another clean sheet for the Frenchman.
Gabriel – 6
Really should’ve won the game with the final touch, but couldn’t convert from close range at the back post. With the absence of any real Liverpool centre-forward, the Brazil ace wasn’t troubled much.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Taken off with an injury early in the second half, but the defender had been entirely comfortable throughout the 50-odd minutes he was on the pitch for. Arteta and co. will be crossing their fingers that the Ecuador international is back up to full fitness sooner rather than later.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
Greedily took the ball in his stride when a dummy would’ve left Bukayo Saka with a free shot at goal in the second half, and struggled to contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play in midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 5
It’s a credit to the effort of the Liverpool midfield that the Arsenal skipper was so quiet throughout the match, with the Norway international failing to make an impact.
Declan Rice – 6
Put himself about in the centre of the park, but didn’t have the same impact as at the weekend against Bournemouth. A rare off day for the usual indomitable midfield star.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Started on fire and looked as if he was in the mood to torment the Liverpool backline all evening. But after an initial bright start, the English international began to fade and was ultimately subbed off with Arsenal chasing a winner.
Viktor Gyokeres – 3
It felt like Arsenal were playing with 10 men for most of the time he was on the pitch. A completely ineffective and useless performance from the man who was brought in to take Arsenal to the next level. As it goes, it looks as if they’ll get the job done in spite of the Swede, not because of him.
Leandro Trossard – 6
One of the brighter Arsenal attackers, and if it wasn’t for a couple of unfortunate deflections, he might’ve picked up an assist or two. Might’ve felt hard done by to have been taken off on the hour mark.
Substitutes
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4
Rushed onto the pitch to replace the injured Piero Hincapie, but never really got up to speed with the game. Struggled with the pace of Jeremie Frimpong and was careless in possession at times. The youngster will have to sharpen up
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Incredibly lucky not to have been sent off for an ugly incident involving Conor Bradley. The winger threw the ball at the head of the Liverpool defender, who was down injured, before attempting to push him off the pitch. Had the odd moment off the bench, but didn’t create much.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
If Gyokeres was useless, the ex-Man City forward wasn’t much better. A tame header was the only real sight of goal he enjoyed, but was nowhere to be seen when Noni Madueke flashed a dangerous cross across the face of Liverpool’s goal.
Eberechi Eze – 5
Didn’t do much, either good or bad.
Noni Madueke – 6
Could’ve had two assists on another night and was the only substitute who made a proper impact.
