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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: Gabriel Martinelli terrorises defence but Aaron Ramsdale makes error

Arsenal’s five-game winning streak came to an abrupt end as they suffered defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

The Gunners performed well in the first-half, keeping Liverpool at bay and going toe to toe with them.

Martin Odegaard then had a glorious chance to put them ahead after the break but, after that was squandered, Liverpool punished them.

Diogo Jota opened the scoring in the 54th minute and then Roberto Firmino struck moments later to seal the win.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 5

Will be disappointed with the manner of Jota’s goal as the Liverpool forward’s strike beat him at his near post.

Cedric 7

Was singled out as possibly being Arsenal’s weak link before the game, but he did well actually. Had some nice touches in tight spaces.

Ben White 6

Like most of the Arsenal team he was excellent in the first-half as they stifled Liverpool. Couldn’t get on the ball as much as he normally would, though.

Gabriel 6

Had a good first-half, where he kept Sadio Mane very quiet. Will be upset with Liverpool’s second goal as he allowed Firmino to ghost in behind him.

Kieran Tierney 7

A largely solid performance from the Scot, particularly defensively. Couldn’t get forward as much as he usually would, though.

Martin Odegaard 6

Has been in fine form recently but didn’t have the greatest of games as Fabinho kept him quiet. Missed a great chance when it was 0-0 too.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Thomas Partey 8

Continued his fine form with another good performance in the heart of midfield. Was very good in the first-half in particular.

Granit Xhaka 7

Is performing well in his new role, which sees him playing slightly further forward. Didn’t really put a foot wrong all game.

Bukayo Saka 6

Outshone by Martinelli on the other flank. Did get some joy up against Andy Robertson, but will be frustrated at how he lost the ball for Liverpool’s second goal.

Alexandre Lacazette 6

Had a difficult game up against Liverpool’s huge centre-backs. There was the odd moment where he linked play well, but was largely kept quiet.

Gabriel Martinelli 8 | Star man

Arsenal were beaten but Martinelli still had an excellent game out left. Terrorised Trent Alexander-Arnold all game.

Substitutions

Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 67’) 6

Given the chance to play centrally as a No10, but couldn’t make much of an impact in his 20 minutes.

Nicolas Pepe (Saka 74’) 6

On out wide for the final stages as Arteta took the chance to rest Saka ahead of Saturday’s clash at Aston Villa.

Eddie Nketiah (Lacazette 80’) N/A

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