Liverpool Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Joe Allen’s late equalizer gave Liverpool a well-deserved point against Arsenal. The entertaining game at Anfield ended in a 3-3 draw. Roberto Firmino bagged a brace for Liverpool while Oliver Giroud did the same for Arsenal. It was Aaron Ramsey who scored Arsenal’s one of the three goals. Here is our Liverpool player ratings for the match:

Simon Mignolet – 5

The Belgian was at fault for Arsenal’s first two goals. He should have done better for at least one of it. Another nervous performance from the 28-year-old.  The Main highlight of his game was the punch he did late in the second half. Danny Ward has returned from his loan and time is ticking for Mignolet. He should step up or he will get replaced by Ward.

Nathaniel Clyne – 6.5

Another decent performance from the Englishman. He was very active in Liverpool’s attacking half but has to improve his final balls. He did his defensive responsibilities well. Arsenal’s left wing did not possess much threat, so Clyne was not troubled much.

Kolo Toure – 6.5

It was a mixed game for the former Arsenal man. At times he looked top class, but sometimes he was shaky. He made some important tackles and interceptions but was caught out of position here and there.

Mamadou Sakho – 6

The Frenchman returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up from an injury and he was shaky. He always takes some time to settle and find his groove when he returns from an injury and that is exactly what happened against Arsenal. Like Toure, he also had a mixed night. But he did not make as much tackles and interceptions as him.

Alberto Moreno – 6.5

Like Clyne, he was also active in Liverpool’s attacking half. Defensively, he was caught out of position at times. When you are facing a team like Arsenal, you should take your chances and Moreno should have scored when the score was 2-2. He has to be more focused defensively.

Emre Can – 6

The German youngster had a great first half but he faded in the second half. He took his shot well in the first half which was saved by Petr Cech. The rebound was taken well and scored by Roberto Firmino. His dribbling and passing at times is rusty. He gave away the ball too easily at times. But still Can was a boss in Liverpool’s midfield. His defensive contributions were important.

Jordan Henderson – 6.5
Liverpool skipper returned from injury to Liverpool’s starting lineup and he put up a fine performance against the Gunners. He was not often able to get his passes right, but still he was a boss in Liverpool’s midfield. He is doing a great job in replacing Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s captain.

James Milner – 7

The English international is slowly starting to find his groove at Liverpool. He never stopped running and he gave the assist for Firmino’s second goal. He was active in all parts of the game.

Adam Lallana – 7

Again, Lallana did not bring goals and assists to his game but he was important for Liverpool. He never stopped running and he was successful in finding space for Firmino. He was an active player throughout. His pressing was very important for Liverpool.

Jordon Ibe – 5.5

The youngster was fine in the first half but he faded away in the second. He made some nice runs in the first half and linked up well with Clyne. In the second half, he was pocketed by Nacho Monreal. Ibe was not able to dribble past Monreal. He was also not able to get his passes right. He has to improve on his final delivery.

Roberto Firmino – 8.5 (Man Of The Match)

Firmino was simply the best player on the pitch. He took his first goal well and his second goal was world class. He was denied an Hat-trick by the cross-bar. He looks much better as Liverpool’s striker and Klopp should consider making this permanent.

Substitutes:

Christian Benteke – 6.5

The Belgian came on for James Milner. Again, it was a frustrating game from the former Aston Villa hitman. His positioning was poor and he was never getting into the six-yard box when he was supposed to do so. He gave the assist for Allen’s late goal and he did well to win the header.

Joe Allen – 7

It was reported that the Welshman could leave in January, but he came on as a substitute and gave Liverpool a crucial equalizer. He made a very fine run to get to Benteke’s headed assist and finished it well.

Steven Caulker – N/A

He was brought on as a striker but later moved to the centre back position after Liverpool equalized. His aerial abilities and physicality must have been the reason for him coming on as a striker. He did well to win a header during the dying minutes of the match.

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