Player Ratings: Arsenal vs Liverpool
By Omar Shahin
Liverpool and Arsenal played out one of the most thrilling 0-0 draws in recent memories. Excellent defensive and goalkeeping performances ultimately kept the score sheet clean, but the game had over 30 shots, with 3 of those hitting the woodwork. Here are our player ratings from the match:
Simon Mignolet: 8
Mignolet was excellent when called upon, pulling off a quite brilliant save to deny Olivier Giroud from close range. Flapped at one cross which stops him getting a 9, but otherwise a very good performance. If we see more performances like this, Brendan Rodgers‘ decision not to bring in any real competition may be vindicated.
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Nathaniel Clyne: 7
Our right-back has slotted perfectly into our team. He did very little wrong defensively and provided a great attacking threat. He was the only true source of width in our team and delivered some decent crosses into Benteke. He was, however, caught out for Arsenal’s (wrongly) disallowed goal, which stops him from getting an 8.
Martin Skrtel: 9
I have been highly critical of Skrtel, but the Slovak put in as close to a perfect defensive performance as we’ve seen in a very long time. Never caught out of position, and never once looked like getting beaten on the ground or in the air. He marshalled the defence excellently and ensured Arsenal’s world-class forward players stayed quiet. We’ve seen this kind of performance from him before, but now the hope is that he can consistently put this kind of display in.
Dejan Lovren: 8
A third solid display from the Croat who is starting to right the wrongs of last season. Much like his partner, he didn’t put a foot wrong all game and was dominant in the air. Never afraid to put in important but risky challenges, his challenge on Giroud to put him off in the second half was outstanding. It appears as though both he and his defensive partner, Skrtel, are benefitting from the stability Rodgers has provided at the back. The influence of new coach Sean O’Driscoll seems to be shining through.
Joe Gomez: 9
MOTM. Gets the MOTM nod ahead of Skrtel purely on the fact that he’s 18 years old; something I had to keep reminding myself throughout the game. The youngster dealt with the threat of the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey with a composure and strength belying his years. He was the most composed head on the ball that we had at the back all game. Never looked out of position, and never looked out-of-place amongst such high quality opposition. Hard to see him getting dropped anytime soon.
Lucas Leiva: 8
The Brazilian was a shock starter after being left out of the previous two squads. When he was substituted, it looked as though he was saying his final farewell to the travelling Kop. That said, his performance today, and Rodgers’ pre-match comments, are a good sign that he may yet have a future at the club. He was excellent today, gave Ozil no space to work his magic and generally kept their midfield threat at bay. His distribution was also better than usual, even playing in Coutinho for a decent chance in the first half.
James Milner: 7
Milner -as usual- put in a tireless shift in the middle of the park. We’re still yet to see the best from him but this was another solid display. He didn’t catch the eye going forward, which is something he needs to work on if these past three games are anything to go by. Still, as mentioned last week, it would take a real shocker for him to be given anything below a 6, due to his work rate.
Emre Can: 8
This was Can’s opportunity to stamp his name on the team sheet for the rest of the season; and my did he take it. The German was not only tireless, but was also a creative force in the team. Many of our opportunities came from pressing their defenders and deep midfielders high up the pitch, and Can did this more than anyone. He thrived in the number 10 role he was deployed in, providing help in the middle of the park as well as supporting the attacks. Would be a shock if he didn’t start against West Ham.
Roberto Firmino: 7
Clearly still not fully fit, Firmino faded in the second half before being taken off. However, his first half display was encouraging, and he should have got his first Premier League assist but for that Benteke miss/Cech save. He showed encouraging link up play with Benteke and Coutinho, which will leave Liverpool fans eagerly awaiting the three of them clicking.
Philippe Coutinho: 8
The little magician was excellent again today. His movement and creativity caused Bellerin problems all night. Like Can, he was the catalyst for most of our high pressing and cut out more than a few of their passes at the back. He hit the woodwork twice with great strikes, and was our main creative threat again. His link up play with Firmino was promising, and his understanding with Benteke is growing every game.
Christian Benteke: 7
The Belgian will be desperately disappointed not to have netted a second Premier League goal. Although people will rightly be raving about Cech’s ability to reach the ball, the fact remains that Benteke didn’t finish a chance from about two yards out. He had a few other shots, but rarely tested Cech. However, he was dominant in the air, winning 16 aerial duels, and caused the Arsenal back four all kinds of problems. Another encouraging display, but lacked a cutting edge.
Subs:
Jordon Ibe (Firmino 63′): 4
Possibly the only truly disappointing performance of the night, Ibe was -to put it plainly- dreadful. It hasn’t quite clicked for the youngster so far this season, he will certainly need to improve as the season goes on. Rarely made the right decision on the ball, and offered little defensively either. Ready made Sterling replacement? Not on this evidence.
Jordan Rossiter (Lucas 76′): 7
His introduction raised a few eyebrows, especially coming on for Lucas who had been rock-solid all game. But the youngster slotted straight into the midfield unit with no trouble at all. Put in a great shift for the 20 or so minutes he was on. A good enough cameo to get fans excited.
Alberto Moreno (Coutinho 88′): N/A
Only had 6 minutes on the field, but played well when he did come on. Another lung-busting run almost opened an opportunity for us, but the Spaniard failed to spot the completely free Emre Can.