Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool: Player ratings as Gunners ignite title bid

Arsenal moved to within two points of the top of the Premier League after securing a mammoth 3-1 victory over leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

There was no Gabriel Jesus for the Gunners, with the Brazilian once again bothered by his knee, but it initially didn't look as if the hosts would miss their number nine. Arsenal were superb in the opening period and took a deserved lead through Bukayo Saka after Kai Havertz's shot was saved by Alisson.

A lethargic Liverpool were overwhelmed by Arsenal's fierce man-to-man press, but they somehow found a route back into the contest on the stroke of half-time via a Gabriel own-goal after some shoddy work from William Saliba and Gabriel.

That set up a monster 45 minutes in north London; one that would potentially make-or-break the Gunners' campaign.

Arsenal's slow start to the second period undoubtedly concerned a tense Emirates, and it looked as if the visitors were beginning to assert themselves. However, the Reds produced a defensive mess of their own which allowed Gabriel Martinelli to finish into an empty net.

A cagey conclusion was very much expected given the significance of the bout, although Arsenal were aided by Ibrahima Konate's second yellow in the closing stages. Liverpool huffed and puffed without testing Raya, with Arsenal wrapping up a vital three points in stoppage time as Leandro Trossard squeezed his effort through Alisson's legs, sparking scenes of pandemonium at the Emirates.

Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their crucial victory over the Reds.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - Claimed superbly in the air and was proactive with his distribution. Had to be more assertive for Liverpool's goal.

Ben White (RB) - 7.5/10 - Another confident showing from White, who was particularly good in the first half. Got his own back on Curtis Jones with a cheeky nutmeg.

William Saliba (CB) - 6/10 - We can criticise Saliba, guys. He should've put his foot through the ball on the stroke of half-time instead of waiting for Raya to claim.

Gabriel (CB) - 7/10 - Unfortunate with the own goal - certainly wasn't his fault - and was generally a steadier presence than his partner. Produced a couple of wonderful passes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - 6/10 - Jorginho's presence limited his influence in possession and was withdrawn at half-time.

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