Saturday’s Liverpool vs Arsenal game concluded with a crushing 4-0 defeat for the Gunners, ending their 8-match unbeaten run. In the previous 8 games, Arteta’s men had some remarkable performances and fans expected a tough fight against the free-scoring Merseysiders at Anfield.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Summary:

The visitors tried very un-Arsenal-like tactics at Anfield. They played the ball through the keeper, absorbed all the pressure from the Reds, and then went for a counter-attack to score a goal. The tactics looked good for the first 15 minutes or so, but the formation soon fell apart against Liverpool’s high pressing game.

The North London outfit uncharacteristically had only 37% ball possession throughout the game and just 3 shots on target out of 5. Even though the hosts had the maximum amount of possession, the Gunners managed to maintain good passing accuracy just below 85%.

Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Takumi Minamino, all were on the score sheet for Liverpool. The opening headed-goal by Mane came from a perfect set-piece delivery by Alexander-Arnold. Their structure was completely disrupted in the second half of the game, allowing three additional goals due to their own errors.

Player Ratings:

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale (8): A goalkeeper who has conceded four goals would be a surprise contender for Man of the Match. Aaron Ramsdale faced 9 on-target shots from Liverpool strikers. Apart from the first goal of the game, all the other three goals happened due to cheap errors.

Defence

Takehiro Tomiyasu (6.5): Although Tomiyasu performed his defensive duties well, he was beaten several times by the pacy Sadio Mane. Arsenal’s high press approach in this game left him out of position, which also resulted in Salah’s goal.

Ben White (6): Ben White managed to keep his composure for the first half of the Liverpool vs Arsenal match. But, he seemed clueless in the second half, with Arsenal losing its structure.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6): Gabriel could have done better dealing with Arnold’s cross, which resulted in Salah’s goal. However, the Brazilian defender had to cover for the disposition full-backs.

Nuno Tavares (4.5): A surprise starter for the match, Tavares tried his best to influence the game. But sadly, he will be called out for an unnecessary back pass, resulting in Jota’s goal. He couldn’t manage to make any amends for that horror.

Midfield

Thomas Partey (5): He was unable to cope with Liverpool’s midfield players and was defensively very poor. His long-range attempt, which forced a save from Allison, only spared his rating to mid-level.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (5): His selection for the Liverpool vs Arsenal game was made based on his ball holding capability. Still, he had a very difficult afternoon against the Reds. He easily gave away possession on most of the occasions.

Bakayo Saka (6): Bukayo Saka caused some issues for Liverpool’s defence line. Nevertheless, he seemed disheartened after the second goal.

Emile Smith Rowe (6): ESR tried some flashes of runs and through balls to create a chance for strikers, but Liverpool’s defence made important interruptions and protected the ball from Arsenal’s strikers.

Attack

Alexandre Lacazatte (5): He was kept silent by Liverpool defenders the entire time. He managed to score a goal in the match but it was deemed offside. Otherwise, his runs were more defensive.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (5): Couldn’t get the service he was looking for. He had only one goal-scoring opportunity from Lacazette.

Read More

• Two Hale End Boys Have Rejuvenated and Inspired a Tired and Ambitionless Arsenal side
• Arsenal have decided to terminate £9m midfielder’s contract in January, Turkish Giants interested
• Arsenal Begin Talks With £15m Rated Spanish Midfielder for a Potential Transfer in January or Next Summer

Substitutes

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (5): Came on for Lokonga in the 53rd min as a holding midfielder. He failed to make much impact on the plays.

Martin Odegaard (5): Subbed in at 67th min for Lacazette, but faced a similar issue of tracking opponent passes rather than creating one.

Mohamed Elneny (N/A): Played just six minutes of the regular period after being substituted for Partey.

Do you agree with the given player ratings from the Liverpool vs United match? Give your opinions in the comments section below.

Follow AD for the latest Arsenal Matchday Updates.