Liverpool suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield, with one costly mistake ultimately separating the sides.
Kai Havertz punished Alisson Becker’s poor pass to score the only goal of the game, leaving Liverpool chasing an equaliser for the remainder of the afternoon.
There were some encouraging individual performances, particularly from Bradley Barcola, but too many players struggled to make the difference when it mattered.
Trey Nyoni also deserves credit for making his first Premier League start at just 19 years of age.
Here are my Liverpool player ratings from the defeat.
Liverpool starting XI ratings
Alisson – 4/10
A difficult afternoon for the Brazilian, whose poor pass out from the back gifted Arsenal the opportunity to take the lead. He did produce an excellent save to deny Christos Tzolis later in the game, but there is no escaping the fact that his mistake proved decisive. He will know he should have done better.
Ronald Araujo – 6/10
Made his 12th consecutive start and battled hard as usual. However, he was given a difficult afternoon by Tzolis, who caused problems down Arsenal’s left. Araujo never stopped competing and showed his usual commitment, even if it wasn’t his easiest performance.
Jeremy Jacquet – 6/10
A slightly mixed performance from the young defender. There were a few shaky moments, but overall he had a decent game. His second-half tackle after slipping was particularly impressive and showed good determination to recover the situation.
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
Generally reliable, as Liverpool’s captain usually is, but he will be disappointed with how easily his team allowed Arsenal to take the lead. He helped keep the defence organised and offered a threat from set pieces, but couldn’t prevent the defeat.
Milos Kerkez – 5/10
A frustrating afternoon for the left-back. He struggled to make a consistent impact in the first half, although his lovely cross for Alexis Mac Allister created a golden opportunity that should have resulted in an equaliser. There were some positives, but not quite enough.
Trey Nyoni – 6/10
A real show of faith from Andoni Iraola to hand the 19-year-old his first Premier League start. Understandably, he looked a little nervous during the opening stages, but he gradually grew into the contest. It wasn’t an outstanding performance, but there were enough encouraging signs to suggest he can become an important player for Liverpool.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6/10
He was heavily involved during the first half and worked hard to help Liverpool control the midfield. However, he will be disappointed not to have scored when Kerkez delivered that excellent cross into his path. It was a big opportunity in a game where Liverpool needed someone to step up.
Bradley Barcola – 7/10
Liverpool’s brightest attacking player on the afternoon. Starting on his preferred left flank, Barcola caused Arsenal problems with his pace and willingness to take defenders on. He provided a dangerous delivery that almost found Isak, but he is still waiting for his first Premier League goal. There was plenty to like about his performance.
Florian Wirtz – 6/10
Produced one of Liverpool’s best moments when his superb first-half free-kick crashed against the crossbar. It was a wonderful effort and deserved a goal. However, there is a feeling that Wirtz needs to produce more consistently in the biggest matches. Liverpool need their most expensive attacking talent to make a greater impact.
Cody Gakpo – 5/10
Started brightly and looked lively in the opening stages, but Riccardo Calafiori dealt with him well. Gakpo struggled to influence the game as it developed and couldn’t find a way past Arsenal’s defensive organisation. He also had a penalty appeal turned down by Andy Madley.
Alexander Isak – 5/10
Found some promising positions and looked capable of causing Arsenal problems, but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net. He will feel particularly unlucky after having his shirt pulled by Jurrien Timber in an incident that could easily have resulted in a penalty. Liverpool need more goals from their striker in matches like this.
Liverpool substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6/10
Came on for Nyoni in the 59th minute after returning from injury. His energy and quality were welcome, although he couldn’t produce the moment Liverpool desperately needed.
Rio Ngumoha – 5/10
Replaced Gakpo in the 67th minute but struggled to get involved as much as he would have liked. Arsenal were organised and didn’t give him many opportunities to make use of his direct running.
Víctor Muñoz – Not rated
Introduced for Araujo in the 82nd minute. He tried to make an impact with his pace, but had very little time to influence the result.
Lewis Koumas – Not rated
Came on for Wirtz in the 82nd minute, with Iraola looking for some fresh attacking energy. Too little time to make a meaningful judgement.
Kostas Tsimikas – Not rated
Replaced Kerkez in the 82nd minute but didn’t have much opportunity to make an impact down the left.
Unused substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
My verdict: Too many players below their best
Bradley Barcola was Liverpool’s standout performer for me, while Araujo, Jacquet and Nyoni all deserve credit for their efforts.
But there is no getting away from the fact that Liverpool lacked the quality and composure needed to break Arsenal down.
Alisson’s mistake was hugely costly, but the Reds also had opportunities to get back into the game. Mac Allister should have done better with his header, Wirtz was desperately unlucky with his free-kick and Isak couldn’t find the finish.
I don’t want to be overly critical of Nyoni. Being handed your first Premier League start against Arsenal at Anfield is a huge responsibility for a 19-year-old, and he deserves encouragement rather than criticism.
However, players such as Wirtz, Gakpo and Isak need to deliver more when Liverpool face the strongest opposition.
This is another reminder that Iraola still has plenty of work to do.
Liverpool have talent in this squad, but talent alone isn’t enough. They need consistency, greater defensive concentration and more ruthlessness in front of goal.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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