Liverpool vs Arsenal player ratings: Who shone as reigning champions maintained perfect start to the season?
Liverpool
Alisson 6
Seemed to go down far too early for the opening goal, when Lacazette’s shot bounced over his head. Saved well from Lacazette later.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
The quality of his delivery from wide is remarkable. Caused so many problems for Arsenal and created Liverpool’s second, scored by Robertson.
Joe Gomez 6
More troubled than Van Dijk alongside him, with Arsenal focusing their attacks down Liverpool’s right. Exposed at times by Lacazette’s running.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Went close with a back-post header for Liverpool’s first glimpse at goal. Commanding on his side of the defence and tested Leno from range.
Andrew Robertson 7
Dreadful clearance allowed Lacazette to give Arsenal a shock lead. The left-back made up for it with a tidy finish from Alexander-Arnold’s cross.
Naby Keita 6
Pressed with energy and drifted wide to pull Arsenal out of their shape. Not as involved in the attacking play as he might have liked.
Fabinho 7
Played with his usual composure and control at the base of midfield. So effective at shutting down attacks and playing the simple passes.
Georginio Wijnaldum 7
Fired straight at Leno with a low shot early in the first half. As aggressive as ever when pressing the ball and pinning Arsenal back.
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Mohamed Salah 7
Surge inside Tierney, and subsequent shot, allowed Mane to tap in Liverpool’s equaliser. Sharp without being at his destructive best.
Roberto Firmino 7
As ever, so intelligent in his movement in the final third. Even against a packed defence, he found pockets of space where he could cause problems.
Sadio Mane 8
Strange swipe at Tierney could have been more heavily punished. Soon tapped in Liverpool’s first after Leno had spilled Salah’s strike.
Subs
Milner (Keita 79)
Jota (Mane 80)
Minamino (Firmino 90)
Arsenal
Bernd Leno 5
Produced a fine early save from Mane but could have done better with Salah’s shot that led to the first Liverpool goal. Helpless for Jota’s goal.
Rob Holding 5
A gruelling night up against the electric Mane. Started well but there was no respite down that side, where Robertson supported Mane.
David Luiz 5
Bravery in possession and willingness to pass out from the back led to Lacazette’s goal. Poor header allowed Jota to make it three.
Kieran Tierney 6
Simply could not stop Salah when the Liverpool winger burst infield for Liverpool’s opener, but did take more control as the game progressed.
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Hector Bellerin 5
Sucked into the middle of the penalty area for Liverpool’s second, allowing Robertson to sneak behind him and find the net.
Mohamed Elneny 6
A surprise selection, perhaps, but he was tidy in possession. Did well in difficult circumstances and stayed on when Xhaka was removed.
Granit Xhaka 5
Line-splitting pass was crucial to Lacazette’s goal. That is what he offers the team, but he also gets caught in possession at times.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 5
Switching between midfield and defence, his run and cross created Lacazette’s opening goal. Largely unable to contain Alexander-Arnold in the first half.
Willian 5
Showed his work ethic and discipline but would have hoped to make more impact in attacking areas. Not a night to show his technical ability.
Alexandre Lacazette 5
Gave his side the lead with a scuffed effort but had to do better when against Alisson after the break. Twice shot straight at the Liverpool keeper.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 5
Liverpool did well to keep him quiet, given his effectiveness on the counter-attack. Wanted the killer pass in behind but it never came.
Subs
Ceballos (Xhaka 60)
Pepe (Willian 68)
Nketiah (Lacazette 74)
