Conor Bradley found the back of the net after a mistake at the back, but the right-back could only hit the crossbar with a lofted shot. Arsenal suffered another heartbreak shortly after the restart when Leandro Trossard was converted on the wrong flank by Florian Wirths, but replays confirmed Anthony Taylor was right to ignore a call for a penalty. Arsenal didn’t get a shot until stoppage time in the second half, but this determined what would happen next. Express Sport rates and predicts the Gunners…
Arsenal vs Liverpool player ratings
David Raya – 6
He almost got caught up in a defensive tirade as he darted out to retrieve the ball, which William Saliba had already decided to pass back. Otherwise, the Spanish goalkeeper was not tested at all.
Julian Timber – 7
The Dutchman made no mistakes throughout the entire 90 minutes and was active at both ends of the pitch.
William Saliba – 6
A mistake on the part of the opposition almost cost them a goal, but other than that it was another clean sheet for the French.
Gabriel – 6
His final touch should have won the game, but he couldn’t convert from close range at the back post. With Liverpool’s lack of a true centre-forward, the Brazilian ace didn’t have much trouble.
Clown Hincapie – 6
Despite being forced off with an injury early in the second half, the defender was completely comfortable during the 50-plus minutes he was on the pitch. There is no doubt that Arteta and his fellow Ecuadorian internationals will return to full fitness sooner or later.
Martin Zvimendi – 5
In the second half, when dummy Bukayo Saka would have been free to score, he greedily stole the ball and struggled to contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play in midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 5
While the Norwegian player failed to make an impact, Arsenal’s captain remained silent throughout the match, which was a credit to the efforts of Liverpool’s midfield.
Declan Rice – 6
Although it was located almost in the center of the park, it didn’t have the same impact as the game against Bournemouth at the weekend. A rare off day for the normally indefatigable midfield star.
Bukayozaka – 5
They were starting to catch fire and looked intent on tormenting Liverpool’s backline all night. However, after a bright start, the England international started to falter and was eventually substituted off as Arsenal chased a winner.
Victor Gokeres – 3
Most of the time he was on the pitch, it felt like Arsenal were playing with 10 men. It was a completely ineffective and useless performance from a man brought in to take Arsenal to the next level. As things stand, it looks like they’ll be able to get the job done, not because of the Swedes, but because of the Swedes.
Leandro Trossard – 6
He is one of Arsenal’s smartest attackers and could have picked up an assist or two had it not been for a few unlucky deflections. It must have been difficult to be dropped off in the first hour.
substitute
Miles Lewis-Skelly – 4
He replaced the injured Piero Hincapie on the pitch, but was unable to get up to speed. They struggled against Jeremy Frimpong’s pace and were careless at times when in possession. Young people will have to sharpen their skills.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
I was incredibly lucky not to be sent off for the ugly incident involving Conor Bradley. The winger threw the ball at the head of a Liverpool defender who was down injured and then tried to push him off the pitch. There were some odd moments off the bench, but nothing major came of it.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Even if Gokeres didn’t help, the former Man City forward wasn’t that great of a player. A meek header was the only goal he enjoyed, but he was nowhere to be seen when Noni Madueke sent a dangerous cross into the face of Liverpool’s goal.
Eberechi Eze – 5
It didn’t really matter, good or bad.
Noni Madueke – 6
On any other night he could have had two assists and was the only substitute to make a decent impact.
