Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium 

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Premier League player ratings

Bukayo Saka was superb as Arsenal’s leader while Trent Alexander-Arnold made the difference to set up Liverpool’s second equaliser
  
  

Bukayo Saka on the ball, challenged by Alexis Mac Allister.
Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead with his 50th Premier League goal. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Arsenal

David Raya Rooted to his line for Van Dijk’s goal but couldn’t do anything about Salah’s precise finish. 7/10

Thomas Partey Performed well out of position, although perhaps could have prevented Van Dijk from scoring. 6

Gabriel Maghalães Dominated his aerial battle with Núñez until forced off with a suspected thigh injury early in the second half. 7

Ben White Brilliant pass to set up Saka’s goal and looked assured in central defence filling in for the suspended William Saliba. 7

Jurriën Timber Never panics when under pressure and kept Salah quiet. Arsenal missed him when he limped off injured. 8

Mikel Merino Scary moment when he looked to have injured his shoulder again but capped full home Premier League debut with a crucial goal. 8

Declan Rice Pinpoint free-kick to assist Merino’s goal and dominated the middle of the park for his team until late lapse. 7

Bukayo Saka Superb finish for his 50th Premier League goal. Arsenal’s starboy has grown into their leader. 9

Kai Havertz Could have been more clinical in front of goal but offers so much more these days in other areas. 7

Leandro Trossard Worked tirelessly for the team throughout, even if it wasn’t his day this time. 6

Gabriel Martinelli Was a constant danger down the left flank and deserved more for his tireless efforts. 7

Substitutes: Jakub Kiwior (for Gabriel 55) Struggled after being brought on to replace Gabriel, 5. Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Timber 76) Teenager was caught out by a long ball for second equaliser, 6. Ethan Nwaneri (for Martinelli 85) Some lovely touches after coming on, 7. Gabriel Jesus (for Saka 85) Almost scored a late winner, 7.

Liverpool

Caoimhín Kelleher Early misplaced pass betrayed his nerves and got nowhere near either of Arsenal’s goals. 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold Showed his frustration as his side struggled yet made the difference with quality ball in buildup to Salah’s goal. 8

Virgil van Dijk Led by example with equaliser but was guilty of playing Merino onside and could have been sent off for kicking out at Havertz. 7

Ibrahima Konaté Lucky not to concede a penalty from sliding challenge on Martinelli. But grew in stature after he break. 7

Andy Robertson Caught napping by long ball for opening goal and left bamboozled by Saka on more than one occasion. 5

Ryan Gravenberch Broke the lines well at times but was left to fight on his own in midfield far too often. 7

Curtis Jones Kept his place after starring against Chelsea but struggled to have the same impact. 6

Alexis Mac Allister Could not live with intensity in first half and booked for hauling down Saka. No surprise he was hooked early. 5

Mohamed Salah Couldn’t get much change out of Timber but lethal as usual when the chance finally came to him. 8

Darwin Núñez Barely touched the ball in the first half. Put himself about much more in second and was on hand to set up Salah. 7

Luis Díaz Flick-on at near was crucial for Van Dijk’s equaliser and looked Liverpool’s most dangerous outlet until subbed. 7

Substitutes: Cody Gakpo (for Díaz 63) Increased intensity when he came on, 7. Dominik Szoboszlai (for Mac Allister 63) Glides around the pitch and made a big difference when introduced, 7. Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson 63) Looked far more steady in defence than Robertson, 7. Wataru Endo (for Jones 90) n/a.

 

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