We rate the Liverpool players for their performances against Arsenal…
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal – Martin Skrtel scored in the seventh minute of stoppage time to deny Arsenal all three points at Anfield. The Gunners had led through goals from Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud, but the Reds deservedly struck late on.
Philippe Coutinho initially gave Brendan Rodgers’ side the lead after they had dominated the first-half, but Debuchy’s head insured the visitors struck back immediately. Giroud then scored what looked to be the winner mid-way through the second period, before Skrtel’s late strike.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Brad Jones – 5
Will be disappointed not to have reacted better to both the Arsenal goals, but did make a crucial late save.
RCB) Kolo Toure – 6
Didn’t do much wrong, and will be pleased with his performance against his former side. Replaced late on.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 6
Poor positioning for Arsenal’s second goal, but otherwise a positive afternoon for the Frenchman, who kept Alexis Sanchez quiet.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 8
Heroic effort to return to the the action despite a severe cut to the back of head, and was rewarded with a late goal, ironically with his head.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6
His short passes kept Liverpool ticking over in midfield, but he’s definitely not the player you want the ball to fall to on the edge of the opposition penalty area.
CM) Steven Gerrard – 6
Tried a couple of pot shots from range, but was wasteful, and his intercepted pass led to Arsenal’s second goal. Not the best day for the captain.
RM)Jordan Henderson – 7
Improved performance – set up Coutinho’s goal and did a lot of good work defensively, especially helping keep Sanchez quiet in midfield.
LM) Lazar Markovic – 6
Another decent performance from Liverpool’s rapidly improving Serbian winger, who looked lively early on, and might have scored in the first-half.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 8
Took his goal well and was Liverpool’s standout player as the front three again impressed. Looked calm in possession, but perhaps shot once too often.
AM) Adam Lallana – 7
Won more tackles and created more chances than any other player. Another decent performance from the former Southampton man, who continues to improve in a Liverpool shirt.
ST) Raheem Sterling – 7
Caused Arsenal plenty of problems with his pace and movement, but didn’t have many chances to add to his goal tally.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 7
Set his team up well and will have been impressed with a lot of the things he saw. Just lacked a bit of quality in the final third to get the win much of their play deserved.
Subs:
1) Fabio Borini – 3 – Ridiculous red card that might have ended any real hopes Liverpool had of rescuing the game. Credit to Rodgers’ side that they play better without him.
2) Rickie Lambert – 6 – Offered Liverpool something different and caused some problems.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news