Arsenal 0 – 2 Liverpool – FA Cup 3rd Round Player Ratings
The esteemed FA Cup third round was gifted this tantalising tie, with a truly Super Sunday encounter to engage with. The scoreline was exactly what the traveling reds desired, as Arsenal lost their third game on the bounce.
🇨🇴 Luis Díaz has completed the most dribbles for #LFC in his last two games now – 8 in total.
He also has 2 goal contributions in his last 3 games.
Won the most duels on the pitch tonight for #LFC as well (7).
He’s back. pic.twitter.com/NkZNOekizm
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) January 7, 2024
Alisson Becker – 8.0
A start in the FA Cup was expected, with the EFL Cup duties in the hands of his understudy. This was a sign as to why an elite footballing team requires a world class keeper, as the gunners have two mediocre versions. Ali was superb today and commanded his area like the best keeper on the planet, which he most certainly is.
Joe Gomez – 8.0
The England defender has been outstanding this season, therefore to see him start at left back is of no concern. His constant harrying and tenacity did not allow the home side a moments respite, as he snapped and hustled from start to finish.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0
The vice-captain was always starting this game, with an ongoing endeavour to damage the gunners. His fight and desire to overcome and lead his side to a win was clear, as he continually looked to dominate on ball and work off ball. The opening goal was due to his flighted free kick, which enabled a memorable win.
Jarell Quansah – 8.0
A return to the initial eleven, as his skipper was afforded a starting rest. There is nothing this young specimen is not excelling in, as the decision to rest the skipper was only enabled by the continuing success of this giant academy product. Defended with heart and desire and showed every ounce of physical prowess that a Liverpool defender requires.
Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0
⭐ Man of the match
The leader of the backline today, who revelled in the battle with an elite footballing side. He put his body and soul on the line to ensure his team won out and competed for everything that came his way. If Virgil is the world’s best, then this man must be in the conversation for the silver medal, as he has elevated his level to world class this season.
Harvey Elliott – 7.0
The England under-21 star was a little ineffective at times, however, his work rate and ability to hold onto the ball was critical at times, as the home side overwhelmed much of the middle ground. A valuable squad player.
Subbed – 75 mins
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was always going to take a moment to get going, therefore, to start after a few months against one of the Premier League’s more dominating sides, needs to be considered. Was good on the ball if a little overrun at times. Great to have him back.
Subbed – 59 mins
Curtis Jones – 7.0
The English midfielder has been magnificent in the last few weeks and seemed like the senior member of a lopsided midfield today. His ball retention and work rate were top notch and he took the responsibility as middle ground general. Perhaps held onto the ball for too long at times.
Subbed – 75 mins
😛 No Look Diaz ⚽️
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) January 7, 2024
Luis Díaz – 8.0
The Colombian flyer is truly back to his best and was scintillating whenever he was able to travel with the ball. With confusion being created by his unpredictable patterns of dribbling, he was a constant out-ball when his teammates needed a target. The second goal was thoroughly deserved, as he had been a menace and threat all game. Great strike and great moment.
Cody Gakpo – 6.0
The Dutch forward started from the right and looked to switch with Harvey on occasion. With neither really enjoying to new enterprise, both struggled to make a solid impact. A good option.
Subbed – 59 mins
Darwin Núñez – 7.0
The Uruguayan raging bull started this game, with a desire to attack the confident adversaries. His frustrating style is tempered by an ability to cause confusion in both sets of fans and players. Darwin was often isolated yet always dangerous and is finding his way in V2.0.
Subs:
Diogo Jota – 8.0 (on 59)
Came on to add venom and was unplayable at times. When he is firing, he is superb.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0 (on 59)
His best moments in a game that mattered, as maybe the desire to do that but more is coming.
Bobby Clark – 7.0 (on 75)
A solid and vital period that allowed his energy to surge.
Conor Bradley – 8.0 (on 75)
What a talent and what a cameo on the pitch. Game time is incoming for the fiery fullback.
👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻BOSS 🟣
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) January 7, 2024
The Manager:
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
The German manager went mild rotation and full desire. The backs to the wall work rate will have been pleasing, even though the first half was far too one sided.
As the second half flowed onwards through the phases, the big Germans alterations and ideas bloomed magnificently after the hour mark. With pure positivity and confidence in his men, Klopp was infectious with his want to win the game this night. The final raft of subs saw two youngsters emerge with many plaudits for their own tremendous efforts.
A great night and season that is truly building to something special.
Pre-match Prediction:
Arsenal 3 – 2 Liverpool
