What a game at Anfield last night, two teams going at it hammer and tongs but a draw was probably the right result at the end of the night. Liverpool were superb in the first half and took the lead twice through two brilliant goals from Firmino but despite their impressive play during the first half they’re deficiencies in defence allowed Arsenal two goals too easily to keep them in the match and the second half saw Arsenal improve and take a 3-2 lead thanks to a brilliant Giroud goal until a very late Joe Allen equaliser earned Liverpool a share of the spoils.
Here’s my ratings out of 10 for the Liverpool players –
Simon Mignolet – 5
A Very disappointing night for Liverpool’s number one keeper, disappointingly beaten at his near post for Arsenal’s first goal and even worse at their second conceding from another corner kick, not a performance Klopp wanted to see from his number one keeper after Bogdan’s nightmare last Friday night.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
Another good performance from Liverpool’s right-back, provided more of an attacking threat than usual and links up well with Jordon Ibe. Defensively Clyne kept the dangerous Theo Walcott very quiet.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Showed his usual enthusiasm but was found out defensively at times, got forward on numerous occasions but his final ball was disappointing too often and selected to shoot too often when a pass or cross would’ve been better.
Kolo Toure – 6
Did okay considering he’s not played much recently against a good Arsenal team. Didn’t let anyone down.
Mamadou Sakho – 6
Only just back from injury and played ok but more to come from him. Lost the header that led to Arsenal’s first goal but made some timely tackles to end some dangerous attacks.
Emre Can – 7
A powerhouse display from the German although he tired a little in the second half. Can put in a terrific shift and worked well with Henderson in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
Jordan Henderson – 8
Just back from injury and put in a real captain’s performance. He was a real driving force in Liverpool’s midfield, picking up loose balls, setting up attacks, breaking up attacks, tremendous energy and Klopp will be hoping he can stay fit.
James Milner – 6
His commitment and workrate sometimes goes unnoticed because he sometimes lacks the productivity in attack, but he was a vital player in Liverpool’s energetic performance, surprised to see him subbed so early on.
Jordon Ibe – 6
Ibe was good in flashes and was a threat down the right flank, especially in the first half against a very good defender, he tended to get caught in possession a bit too much for a period in the second half before creating some good chances late on. More to come from him and growing in confidence with Klopp in charge.
Adam Lallana – 7
A good performance from the ex-Southampton man, put in a power of work like most of the team but also produced some nice link-up play and touches and his movement caused Arsenal’s defence problems.
Roberto Firmino – 9
Man of the match performance from the Brazilian who answered his critics with possibly his best game in a red shirt. Scored two superb goals and unlucky not to get his hat-trick but it was his strength, control and his vision to pick out and complete a pass that really caught the eye.
Substitutes
Christian Benteke – 6
Came on for the last 20 minutes and won the header to create Joe Allen’s late equaliser. His presence created problems for Arsenal’s defence despite not being too involved.
Joe Allen – 7
Not many Liverpool supporters expected his introduction late on to salvage the game but he was the hero by showing tremendous determination to get to the ball first and volley home the equaliser.
Steven Caulker – n/a
The centre-back was thrown on by Klopp for his last throw of the dice and thrown up front for the last couple of minutes for his debut and his presence helped unsettle the nervous Arsenal defence as they tried to hold on for the win.
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