Gabriel Shines as 1 Struggles

Arsenal ended their 14-year wait for a Premier League win at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with Kai Havertz’s goal moving Mikel Arteta’s three points clear of Manchester City.

After a positive start from the away side, they took the lead in the 16th minute when Declan Rice’s exceptional low cross was tapped home at the back post by Kai Havertz. Liverpool responded well to this early setback, manufacturing a series of dangerous attacking moments largely via Bradley Barcola’s direct running and several hopeful crosses.

Arsenal managed to weather this storm and take their slender lead into the break. However, the Liverpool pressure didn’t let up in the second half. Andoni Iraola’s men continued to patiently probe, and Arsenal continued to just about resist this pressure.

As the second half settled, the Gunners managed to wrestle back momentum. Christos Tzolis was their biggest threat, getting in behind on numerous occasions and forcing Alisson Becker into an elastic save.

As the full-time whistle approached, Liverpool’s approach got more desperate. Speculative long shots, ambitious crosses and audacious passes didn’t come off, and Arsenal saw it out in typical Mikel Arteta fashion.

Arsenal’s Defence Stands Strong

REUTERS/Phil Noble

David Raya – B+

In a period of intense Liverpool pressure during the first half, Raya stood firm and provided the Gunners’ backline with an assured presence behind them, catching and claiming everything that came his way.

Jurrien Timber – B-

The Dutchman looked a little rusty at times, having not played huge amounts of football of late. Barcola was Liverpool’s most threatening player, and this came down Timber’s side.

That said, he still offered Arsenal a secure possession outlet when they needed it as Liverpool pushed forward.

Ezri Konsa – B-

As effective as he is at retaining possession, he isn’t particularly effective at progressing it, and this held Arsenal’s build-up back at times. That said, he made a handful of important defensive interventions to keep Liverpool at bay.

Gabriel Magalhaes – A-

Exceptional in Liverpool’s period of dominance, dealing with the Reds’ endless crosses.

Riccardo Calafiori – B+

Typically adventurous with his movement into dangerous positions, and coped well with Cody Gakpo. The Italian was integral to Arsenal’s ability to squeeze Liverpool up the pitch, snapping into pinch the ball off Reds players high up the pitch.

Havertz Comes Up Big at Anfield

Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Declan Rice – A-

Created the opening goal with an outstanding overlapping run and low cross. Despite this, he was guilty of overplaying in his own half at times, leaving Arsenal’s backline.

He was, however, at the heart of Arsenal’s defensive drive in the second period.

Bruno Guimaraes – C-

With Rice and Odegaard so prominent, Guimaraes was left somewhat on the periphery of the game, finding it difficult to get on the ball and influence the game. Arteta echoed these sentiments, hooking the Brazilian on the hourmark.

Martin Odegaard – B

Some lovely passes and inventiveness in the final third, but also a handful of wasted opportunities. Always looked the most likely to create something for the Gunners.

Noni Madueke – B

Retained possession nicely in some difficult positions, but struggled to make an impact in dangerous areas. He generally looks much more confident than he did even a month or so ago.

Kai Havertz – B+

He’s faced some criticism recently for some dubious performances, but he was in the right place at the right time to give the Gunners the lead. His industriousness gave Arsenal a focal point throughout.

Christos Tzolis – B+

A steady return for the Greek. He was typically efficient with his final third play, and should’ve registered an assist when his delightful cross for Madueke floated to the back post.

Was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet after he perfectly connected with Madueke cut-back, but was denied by Allison.

SUBSTITUTES

Myles Lewis-Skelly – C+

Brought on to help provide Arsenal’s midfield with control, and he did this effectively. The momentum swung back in the North Londoners’ favour after his arrival.

Piero Hincapie – N/A

Not on long enough to grade.

Viktor Gyokeres – N/A

Not on long enough to grade.

Mikel Merino – N/A

Not on long enough to grade.