arsenal

David Raya He stuck to his line to score Van Dijk’s goal but couldn’t prevent Salah’s precise finish. 7/10

Thomas Partey Performed well out of position but might have prevented Van Dijk from scoring. 6

Gabriel Maghalães Dominated his aerial battle with Núñez until he was forced off early in the second half with a suspected hamstring injury. 7

Ben White Brilliant pass to set up Saka’s goal and looked confident in central defense as a replacement for the suspended William Saliba. 7

Jurrien Timber Never panicked when under pressure and kept Salah calm. Arsenal missed him as he limped off the pitch injured. 8

Mikel Merino A frightening moment as it looked like he had re-injured his shoulder but capped his full Premier League home debut with a crucial goal. 8

Declan Rice Pinpoint free kick to support Merino’s goal and he dominated the middle of the park for his team until the end. 7

Bukayo Saka Excellent finish for his 50th goal in the Premier League. Arsenal’s star boy has become its leader. 9

Kai Havertz Could have been more clinical in front of goal but offers much more in other areas these days. 7

Leandro Trossard Worked tirelessly for the team the entire time, even if it wasn’t his day this time. 6

Gabriel Martinelli Was a constant threat on the left and deserved more for his tireless efforts. 7

Substitute player: Jakub Kiwior (for Gabriel 55) Had difficulties after being installed as Gabriel’s successor, 5. Myles Lewis Skelly (for Timber 76) Teenager was caught by a long ball for the second equalizer, 6. Ethan Nwaneri (for Martinelli 85) Some nice details after his substitution, 7. Gabriel Jesus (for Saka 85) Almost scored a late winner, 7.

Liverpool

Caoimhin Kelleher An early bad pass betrayed his nervousness and didn’t come close to accounting for any of Arsenal’s goals. 6

Trent Alexander Arnold He showed his frustration as his team struggled but made the difference with a good ball in the build-up to Salah’s goal. 8

Virgil van Dijk He led by example with the equalizer, but was guilty of playing Merino onside and could have been sent off for a dismissal against Havertz. 7

Ibrahima Konate I was lucky not to get a penalty for causing Martinelli to slide. But he gained stature after he collapsed. 7

Andy Robertson On the first goal he was caught napping by a long ball and was caught off guard by Saka more than once. 5

Ryan Gravenberch Broke the lines well at times, but had to fight for himself far too often in midfield. 7

Curtis Jones Retained his place after starring against Chelsea but struggled to make the same impact. 6

Alexis Mac Allister Couldn’t keep up with the intensity in the first half and got a yellow card for bringing down Saka. No wonder he was addicted from an early age. 5

Mohamed Salah Couldn’t get much out of Timber, but was deadly as always when he finally got the chance. 8

Darwin Nunez I barely touched the ball in the first half. He asserted himself much more strongly in second and was there to set Salah up. 7

Luis Diaz The short close shot was crucial to Van Dijk’s equalizer and seemed to be Liverpool’s most dangerous option until the substitution. 7

Substitute: Cody Gakpo (for Díaz 63) Increased intensity when he came on, 7. Dominik Szoboszlai (for Mac Allister 63) Glides across the pitch and made a big difference when introduced. 7. Kostas Tsimikas (for Robertson 63) Looked far more solid in defense than Robertson, 7. Wataru Endo (for Jones 90) n/a.