Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners secure statement win

Arsenal secured a statement victory on Sunday afternoon as they beat a Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool for just the second time in the Premier League to remain at the top of the table.

Gabriel Martinelli got the Gunners off to a flying start as he opened the scoring within the first minute after receiving Martin Odegaard’s delicately weighted pass in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1579132922975916033

Liverpool quickly found their groove, though, and started to assert themselves in the contest. Thiago was dictating proceedings in the middle of the park and they grabbed a deserved equaliser through the much-discussed Darwin Nunez.

But just when it looked like the two sides would head into half-time level, a swift Arsenal transition spearheaded by the unstoppable Martinelli was rounded off by Bukayo Saka at the back post to restore the hosts’ advantage.

It looked like Arsenal would blow the Reds away at the start of the second half before Roberto Firmino equalised superbly against the run of play. The Gunners didn’t take their foot off the gas, however, and they always looked the more likely to go on and win the game against the leggy visitors.

Their excellent second half was rewarded when Saka scored from the spot after Thiago was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus in the box.

A nervy finish ensured, but the Gunners held on to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners secure statement win

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their statement victory over Liverpool

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5.5/10 – Made a big save in the opening period to prevent a William Saliba own goal, and wasn’t tested a great amount otherwise.

Ben White (RB) – 7.5/10 – Effective on the overlap once more, and while Diogo Jota did outwit him on a couple of occasions, White largely stuck to his task well defensively.

William Saliba (CB) – 6.5/10 – Darwin did give Saliba something to think about with his willingness to run in behind, but the Frenchman’s recovery speed aided Arsenal’s ability to defend in a high line. This perhaps wasn’t Saliba’s most commanding display, but he was efficient in possession and cool in key moments.

Gabriel (CB) – 5/10 – The Brazilian doesn’t look particularly comfortable in a high line and his decision-making has to be questioned. He was at fault for Liverpool’s equaliser in the first half and was perhaps lucky to get away with a handball, too.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – 8.5/10 – A surprise inclusion but Tomiyasu repaid Arteta’s faith by producing a stellar performance up against the quiet Mo Salah.

Continued on the next slide…