By: Dan Clubbe
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
The Reds would’ve been hoping fortress Anfield would’ve been their saviour once again, especially with Arsenal coming to town – a side used to being rather well beaten on Merseyside.
However, it was the visitors who raced into the ascendency when a host of errors at the back allowed Gabriel Martinelli to break the deadlock before Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead with a free header.
Jurgen Klopp’s side fought their way back into the contest, inspired by the home crowd and some questionable tactics from Arsenal that seemed to rouse the natives.
After a controversial incident between Andy Robertson and a linesman at the break, it was Mohamed Salah who fluffed his lines from the spot with a chance to level the game.
But, the man heading out the exit door – Roberto Firmino – arrived late on to head home and level for the Reds and it was almost all three points when Ramsdake denied Salah and Konate at the death.
Here’s how I rated those involved:
Alisson Becker 7 – Little to be done with either goal and showed smart handling when called upon thereafter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – Delicious assist for the equaliser. Nutmegs and the cross. A difficult afternoon with Martinelli but he showed the fight and endeavour required.
Ibrahima Konate 8 – A colossal second-half display! Somehow denied late on with the game seemingly at his mercy. All the aggression that was required to harness the energy from the stands.
Virgil van Dijk 6 – Miles off it early on and rightfully booked for a foul on Jesus. Culpable for an error in the build up to the opener.
Andy Robertson 6 – Missed a huge chance in the first half to give the Reds the lead. Likely to be remembered for being elbowed by an official.
See how Ste rated the Reds during The LFC Fan Interactive Show
Jordan Henderson 6 – Drove forwards with intent but the quality was lacking all too often.
Fabinho 6 – Improved in the second 45 and started to win the ball back up the pitch higher, showing his range of passing in the process.
Curtis Jones 6 – Lovely involvement in the goal to get the Reds back in the game. Another step in the right direction on a rare second consecutive start.
Diogo Jota 6 – Won the penalty and his all-round game was better. Now a year without a goal though, worrying…?
Cody Gakpo 7 – Another smart display from the Dutchman who continues to learn on the job. His versatility continues to be pivotal in a side attempting to find its feet.
Mohamed Salah 6 – Right place at the right time to fire home and a threat throughout as an outlet. A second consecutive penalty miss and some poor decision-making cost him though. Unfortunate not to win it late on.
Subs:
Thiago 6 – Boss to have him back but certainly showed signs of needing minutes as his usually perfect passing was off the mark.
Darwin Nunez 5 – Missed a huge chance when one on one with Aaron Ramsdale. Lively but needs to improve his end product still.
Roberto Firmino 7 – It just had to be him. His work rate and quality were a huge positive when introduced – took his goal well and showed urgency to find a winner.
Conclusion: Dropped points in a must-win clash, albeit an impressive fightback from 2-0 down.
Signs of a side willing to fight for the cause but one without the tools to truly impress itself on a game with a top side.
