Kai Havertz scored the decisive first-half goal to secure Arsenal a victory at Anfield in the Premier League for the first time since 2012. BBC Sport evaluated the performances of both the Liverpool and Arsenal squads following the match.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson received a 4 for his performance after his poor pass out led directly to the opening goal for Arsenal, though he did make a great save to deny Christos Tzolis. Ronald Araujo earned a 6 after making his 12th consecutive start and facing a tough test against Tzolis down the left flank. Jeremy Jacquet scored a 6 following a display that was shaky in patches but included a superb tackle after slipping in the second half. Virgil van Dijk was rated 6, remaining reliable as ever while likely feeling disappointed with how easily Liverpool gifted the lead.
Milos Kerkez took a 5 after a frustrating first half, despite delivering a lovely cross that Alexis Mac Allister failed to head in. Trey Nyoni received a 6 in a show of faith from manager Andoni Iraola for the 19-year-old’s first Premier League start, where he looked nervy early on before growing into the match. Alexis Mac Allister was rated 6 after being constantly involved in the first half but missing a clear scoring opportunity. Bradley Barcola earned a 7 as he started down his preferred left flank and caused Arsenal numerous problems. Florian Wirtz got a 6 after hitting the crossbar with a first-half free-kick, though expectations remain higher for a player of his price tag. Cody Gakpo was rated 5 as Riccardo Calafiori handled him well, and a penalty appeal was waved away by referee Andy Madley. Alexander Isak also scored a 5, getting into good positions without finding the net and remaining unlucky not to win a penalty after a shirt pull by Jurrien Timber.
Among Liverpool substitutes, Szoboszlai entered in the 59th minute for Nyoni and received a 6 upon returning from the sidelines. Ngumoha came on for Gakpo in the 67th minute and earned a 5 for not getting the ball as much as desired. Munoz, Koumas, and Tsimikas were all introduced in the 82nd minute for Araujo, Wirtz, and Kerkez respectively, with Tsimikas having little luck down the left. Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, and Gravenberch were unused substitutes.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya earned a 7 after making a good first-half clearance and delivering an assured performance in goal. Jurrien Timber received a 7 following a strong battle with Barcola on the right side, despite being fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty for pulling Isak’s shirt. Ezri Konsa scored an 8, continuing his recent good form with a solid display in the middle of the back four. Gabriel Magalhaes also got an 8 for handling the threat of Isak and leading the defensive line. Riccardo Calafiori received an 8 for a solid defensive performance, though he was not permitted to attack as usual.
Declan Rice was named Arsenal’s best player with an 8, providing the assist for Havertz and driving the team forward with vital midfield energy. Bruno Guimaraes earned a 6 for an all-action display that included involvement in the build-up for the goal before being substituted just past the hour mark. Martin Odegaard scored a 6 after winning back the ball to start the opening move. Noni Madueke received a 6, heavily involved in the goal after shaking off a knock while tiring as the match progressed. Christos Tzolis earned a 6 on his first start since September following an injury, posing a threat from the left and forcing Alisson into a fine save with a curling effort. Kai Havertz was rated 7 for scoring the game’s only goal, putting himself about, and linking the play after a difficult couple of matches.
For Arsenal substitutes, Myles Lewis-Skelly came on for Guimaraes in the 62nd minute and received a 7 for helping to calm the game down as Liverpool pressed for an equalizer. Piero Hincapie replaced Tzolis and Viktor Gyokeres replaced Havertz in the 84th minute, both earning a 6 as they were introduced to see out the win and provide a threat behind the backline. Merino entered in the 88th minute for Odegaard to add defensive strength for the closing minutes. Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Eze, and Zubimendi were unused substitutes.
User ratings collected by BBC Sport represent the average scores submitted by users after the rater closed 30 minutes following the final whistle.
