Liverpool 0 – 1 Arsenal – PL Player Ratings

The Reds returned to the Premier League, welcoming Arsenal to a vibrant Anfield.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was very focused early on and handled well. Could do nothing for the goal; however, his wayward pass out created the opportunity

In the second half the former Roma keeper was able to show superb form as he made one unbelievable save low to his left.

Ronald Araújo – 7.0

The Uruguayan international was a strong and dominating presence, as he balanced his duties well.

After the break, the Barca loanee was a wall and ensured his flank was locked down.

Subbed – 81 mins

Milos Kerkez – 6.0

The Hungarian international was a little wayward as he saw plenty of the ball without delivering the crosses needed. One cross near the end of the half was delightful and should have been converted.

In the second 45 minutes, the former Bournemouth man was always able to compete as he did well in this end-to-end battle.

Subbed – 81 mins

Jérémy Jacquet – 8.0

The France international was quick and reactive, covering ground well.

In the second half, the former Ligue 1 star was superb as he attacked his opponents and continually won his duals.

Man of the Match

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team was aerially dominant and strove to push his team up the pitch.

After the break, the former Saints skipper was again authoritative and marshalled the backline through frenetic periods.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina international was keen to control after the opening goal and was quick to join attacks. Should have scored with a bullet header.

When the players came back out the former Brighton man was hustling but too often in a hurry to find the clinical pass needed.

Trey Nyoni – 6.0

The future England international was too rash early on but grew into the game and allowed a midfield platform that was needed as the Reds attacked.

When the second half resumed the former academy prodigy was able to show good composure before leaving the field.

Subbed – 58 mins

Florian Wirtz – 7.0

The attacking midfielder was a slow burn who started to pick pockets and influence attacking patterns of play.

After the interval, the former Leverkusen man was always at the heart of what Liverpool did best as he looked to get on the ball and create.

Subbed – 81 mins

Alexander Isak – 6.0

The Swedish international was unlucky not to equalise as a pull on his shirt stopped him from making a close-range header.

In the second half the former Newcastle hitman was always a step behind or unable to make that extra movement.

Bradley Barcola – 6.0

The French winger was always looking to engage his marker and maybe should have done more with the chances he had.

Following the intermission the former PSG man was always willing to counter at pace but too often lacked the final product.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The creative player was energised and productive on the right, as he looked to enable attacks with pace and control.

After the break, the former PSV man was more limited before leaving the field.

Subbed – 67 mins

Substitutions;

Dominik Szoboszlai –  6.0 (on 58)

Came on to add more intensity.

Rio Ngumoha – 6.0 (on 67)

Came on to add more one-on-one running.

Lewis Kousmas – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on to add more energy.

Kostas Tsimikas  – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on to bring more precision with delivery

Víctor Muñoz  – 6.0 (on 81)

Came on to add more venom from full back.

The Manager:

Andoni Iraola – 7.0

The starting lineup was as expected and it confirmed that finally Trey Nyoni had moved ahead of Ryan Gravenberch in the midfield pecking order.

The second-half substitutes were needed to inject life against a well-drilled defence.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Arsenal