Arsenal’s title bid suffered a setback when Liverpool came back from two down to draw 2-2 in a dramatic game at Anfield. Here’s how we rated each Gunners player.
Aaron Ramsdale: 9
A superb – and potentially crucial – performance from the Arsenal keeper, who denied Darwin Nunez and produced even better saves in the final moments to deny Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konaté.
Ben White: 7
A very decent display although Andy Robertson did get in behind him in the first half but dragged a shot wide.
Rob Holding: 7
Gave away a penalty by fouling Diogo Jota but was otherwise solid and composed at the heart of the defence.
Gabriel: 6
Good for the most part, but allowed Roberto Firminho to beat him and score Liverpool’s equaliser shortly after the defender missed a chance to make it 3-1 when he headed Bukayo Saka’s corner straight at keeper Alisson.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 5
Had an early effort saved and was excellent in the first half, drifting in from the left and taking up central positions which caused Liverpool all sorts of problems. However, for all his positive work, his poor defending cost Arsenal dearly. They survived a scare when Zinchenko was beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold on the flank but, when he did so again, Firminho pounced to level.
Martin Odegaard: 8
Classy performance in midfield, summed up by a sublime pass out to Gabriel Martinelli on the left in the second half. He was also involved in the build-up to the opening goal.
Granit Xhaka: 5
Oh dear. Competed well in midfield but a needless clash with Alexander-Arnold riled the crowd and that sparked Liverpool into life in a game Arsenal were totally dominating. The Reds pulled a goal back soon afterwards and the incident seemed to alter the course of the game. Pundit Jamie Carragher described Xhaka’s actions as “absolutely idiotic”.
Thomas Partey: 7
Unlike his midfield partner, Partey kept his head even when Arsenal were under sustained pressure. His positioning and calmness on the ball were vital.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Lively as always. Helped set up the first goal and also set up a chance for Gabriel Jesus. Produced a lovely bit of skill to turn away from two Liverpool defenders in the second half.
Gabriel Jesus: 7
Took his goal really well and was always a problem for Liverpool with his skill and movement.
Gabriel Martinelli: 7
Scored the opener with a clever finish and produced a great cross to set Jesus up for the second goal. But Martinelli squandered a glorious chance in the final moments of the game. when he woefully over-hit a pass to Saka, who would have been through on goal.
