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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Premier League player ratings

Bukayo Saka on the ball, challenged by Alexis Mac Allister.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead with his 50th Premier League goal. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Arsenal

David Raya Rooted to his line for Van Dijk’s goal but couldn’t do anything about Salah’s precise finish. 7/10

Thomas Partey Performed well out of position, although perhaps could have prevented Van Dijk from scoring. 6

Gabriel Maghalães Dominated his aerial battle with Núñez until forced off with a suspected thigh injury early in the second half. 7

Ben White Brilliant pass to set up Saka’s goal and looked assured in central defence filling in for the suspended William Saliba. 7

Jurriën Timber Never panics when under pressure and kept Salah quiet. Arsenal missed him when he limped off injured. 8

Mikel Merino Scary moment when he looked to have injured his shoulder again but capped full home Premier League debut with a crucial goal. 8

Declan Rice Pinpoint free-kick to assist Merino’s goal and dominated the middle of the park for his team until late lapse. 7

Bukayo Saka Superb finish for his 50th Premier League goal. Arsenal’s starboy has grown into their leader. 9

Kai Havertz Could have been more clinical in front of goal but offers so much more these days in other areas. 7

Leandro Trossard Worked tirelessly for the team throughout, even if it wasn’t his day this time. 6

Gabriel Martinelli Was a constant danger down the left flank and deserved more for his tireless efforts. 7

Substitutes: Jakub Kiwior (for Gabriel 55) Struggled after being brought on to replace Gabriel, 5. Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Timber 76) Teenager was caught out by a long ball for second equaliser, 6. Ethan Nwaneri (for Martinelli 85) Some lovely touches after coming on, 7. Gabriel Jesus (for Saka 85) Almost scored a late winner, 7.

Liverpool

Caoimhín Kelleher Early misplaced pass betrayed his nerves and got nowhere near either of Arsenal’s goals. 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold Showed his frustration as his side struggled yet made the difference with quality ball in buildup to Salah’s goal. 8

Virgil van Dijk Led by example with equaliser but was guilty of playing Merino onside and could have been sent off for kicking out at Havertz. 7

Ibrahima Konaté Lucky not to concede a penalty from sliding challenge on Martinelli. But grew in stature after he break. 7

Andy Robertson Caught napping by long ball for opening goal and left bamboozled by Saka on more than one occasion. 5

Ryan Gravenberch Broke the lines well at times but was left to fight on his own in midfield far too often. 7

Curtis Jones Kept his place after starring against Chelsea but struggled to have the same impact. 6

Alexis Mac Allister Could not live with intensity in first half and booked for hauling down Saka. No surprise he was hooked early. 5

Mohamed Salah Couldn’t get much change out of Timber but lethal as usual when the chance finally came to him. 8

Darwin Núñez Barely touched the ball in the first half. Put himself about much more in second and was on hand to set up Salah. 7

Luis Díaz Flick-on at near was crucial for Van Dijk’s equaliser and looked Liverpool’s most dangerous outlet until subbed. 7

Substitutes: Cody Gakpo (for Díaz 63) Increased intensity when he came on, 7. Dominik Szoboszlai (for Mac Allister 63) Glides around the pitch and made a big difference when introduced, 7. Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson 63) Looked far more steady in defence than Robertson, 7. Wataru Endo (for Jones 90) n/a.

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