Arsenal 3 – 1 Liverpool Premier League Player Ratings

Match day 23 saw the reds travel to the Emirates to face off against the third placed Gunners, with a chance of ending Arsenal’s lingering Premier League title hopes. This encounter represented the last ever league match that Jürgen Klopp would take on against the North London giants, which made for a tantalizing battle. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Arsenal were reenergized and full of fight as they strive to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

Pathetic performance.

But they still needed us to gift them the win.

Klopp got things wrong today.

Still top. Favourable run of fixtures coming up. Players coming back.

Calm.

— Nostalgia Merchant (@HendrickD82) February 4, 2024

Lineup and Ratings

Alisson Becker – 2.0
The world’s greatest goalkeeper remains pivotal to any chance of silverware; therefore, his continued availability is tremendous. The giant Brazilian started the game reasonably, yet the opening goal could not be helped, as the initial save fell to Saka. The second goal conceded was a horrible watch, as he and his skipper combined to leave an open goal. The final goal was very poor, as the angle did not stop the former Roma man from being nutmegged. Hopefully a return to form next week.

Joe Gomez – 5.0
A continuing role at left back is now due to form, given the return to fitness of Andy Robertson. He started the match with a view of shutting down Bukayo Saka, which he struggled to do from the outset. After long periods of defensive work, the former Charlton player struggled to add much going forward and was equally unsuccessful when switched to right back.
Subbed – 85 mins

Trent Alexander Arnold – 4.0
The vice-captain came back into the starting eleven after a spell out through injury. It does appear that with both Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai taken away from his flank, he struggles to adapt to others. The England man was lacklustre and short of match fitness for his duration on the pitch. A return for Conor Bradley should ensue until Trent is back up to speed.
Subbed – 58 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 5.0
The France international defender started once more, essentially given his brilliant form this season. Seemed to struggle to get into the pace of the game and was at fault for the defensive line for the first goal. Was combative and alter as the home side controlled the first half. Was good for the most part, however, two bookable offenses equally a red card, with a one game suspension incoming.

Virgil van Dijk – 2.0
The captain and leader of this team, his value to the squad is unmatched, except for today. His performance was very sporadic and indecisive, as he struggled to keep pace with what came his way. Three games in a week may just be too much for the 32-year-old. Was poor for all the goals and especially horrid for the second conceded.

Curtis Jones – 6.0
The future England midfielder is in the form of his career right now, which was needed amongst a very underperforming side. Kept working and fighting to something, yet much of that around home could not relate. Went close with a couple of efforts.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentina World Cup winner has now become the complete midfielder, which means his role as the defensive midfielder is no longer a concern. Was overrun at times and could not not get control of the game state. Was shorn of support from the right, whereas the left lacked conviction.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.9
The Hungarian skipper was deemed unfit to travel, which allowed this Dutch under-21 midfielder a rare Premier League start. Apart from the assist, it was a very poor performance that lacked fight and determination.
Subbed – 58 mins

Luis Díaz – 6.0
The Colombian flyer started as the wide left wingman, with a rich vein of form behind him. The equalizer was born out of determination to succeed, yet he looked without rhythm for the most part. Missed Darwin to interchange with.

Cody Gakpo – 4.0
The inclusion of the Dutch forward was due in part to the injured foot of his Uruguayan teammate. Struggled throughout and apart from a decent long-range effort in the first half, was handled with relative ease.
Subbed – 58 mins

Diogo Jota – 5.0
The Portuguese attacker is the Premier League’s form marksman now, with a continual flow of goal involvements. A poor game was always going to come at some point, as there seemed a lack of energy and purpose around him.

Subs;

Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 58)
Came on to offer a much-needed power, yet the dynamic was already lost.

Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 58)
Came on with a buzzing energy that brought little.

Andy Robertson – 6.0 (on 68)
Came on to add something, yet offered little.

Thiago Alcântara – N/A (85)
He is back.

The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 4.0
The German manager had to make changes due to the unavailability of Dominik Szoboszlai and Conor Bradley. Darwin Núñez had a sore foot after the Chelsea game, therefore, his starting place on the bench was no surprise. Ryan Gravenberch started in midfield, the vice-captain, Trent Alexander Arnold, and Cody Gakpo came into the starting eleven.

Some perspective needed from the top of the league.

Endo & Szobo returning shortly.

Thiago back amongst the squad

The League’s best player soon to rejoin the title race

The Reds next 3 games should be very winnable.

— Hari Sethi (@Hari_Sethi) February 4, 2024

The game state was wrong from the opening bell, as too much energy had left the starting eleven.

The eventual changes were patch work as the endeavour seemed fleeting after the resumption of the second half. Only good fortune had seen the game levelled, with real tenacity lost.

The energy and determination were missing in a period where many games have been played. Recalibration of the group must now be undertaken, as the reds still sit top of the Premier League.

Pre-match Prediction;
Arsenal 2 – 2 Liverpool

Steven Smith