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Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: 9/10 rock steps up in Anfield masterclass
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- Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: 9/10 rock steps up in Anfield masterclass
Arsenal went three points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a battling 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Kai Havertz's finish at the back post after a sweeping Arsenal move in the 16th minute proved to be the winner, as Arsenal came away from Anfield with a win for the first time since September 2012.
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There were some nervy moments, with Liverpool on top and piling on the pressure for large periods, but Arsenal just about held firm.
Standard Sport's Matt Verri was at Anfield to rate the Arsenal players...
David Raya 7
One sensational pass through to Martin Odegaard broke the Liverpool press. Did just about enough to put Alexander Isak off and stop him finishing from a corner. For all the pressure Liverpool put on Arsenal, he did not have a save to make.
Jurrien Timber 7
Incredibly lucky to not concede a penalty for a very obvious tug of Isak's shirt. So adventurous in attack, often the most advanced player. Tireless shift and rescued his side with a last-ditch block on Ronald Araujo from close range.
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Ezri Konsa 9
Looked rattled at times early on but he stepped up massively in an incredible second-half display. A pivotal block to deny Florian Wirtz but plenty in the highlights reel beyond that. Won all seven ground duels. Massive performance when Arsenal needed it most.
Gabriel 7
Angered Liverpool fans with how often he went down. Fairly quiet afternoon by his standards, with Konsa more in the thick of it, but more than played his part in dragging Arsenal to an ugly, hard-fought win.
Riccardo Calafiori 8
Sometimes a bit too frantic on the ball when Arsenal needed calm but he showed he can be a complete left-back with this outstanding defensive display. Gave Cody Gakpo and then Rio Ngumoha nothing. Shifted to wing-back for closing minutes.
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Declan Rice 8
Yet another monster effort in midfield. Great overlapping run and perfect cross created Havertz's goal. Intercepted brilliantly in his own box when Bradley Barcola looked to be in. Mopped up and shielded the defence. A machine.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
His kind of occasion. Roared at the away fans after one huge challenge to halt Barcola. Snapped into the challenges and relished the red-hot atmosphere, but began to tire and looked vulnerable when Liverpool ran in midfield. Replaced after an hour.
Noni Madueke 7
Involved in Arsenal's opener and kept causing Milos Kerkez problems. Nearly produced a cut back to make it 2-0 as well. Struggled defensively, with Liverpool getting far too much space on their left, and booked for a trip, but he was an outlet.
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Martin Odegaard 6
Led the Arsenal press exceptionally in a really bright start and it created the opener as he won it back. But Arsenal needed more on the ball and there was not enough control to ease the pressure, with flicks not coming off.
Christos Tzolis 8
Surprise inclusion in the starting lineup but delivered for Mikel Arteta. Impressive how sharp and bright he was, and clipped one superb cross to the back post that should have been converted. Too unselfish at points but also denied by a sensational Alisson save.
Kai Havertz 7
Perfect response to his wasteful run when he tapped in to open the scoring. So often shows on the biggest stage and did so again. Overall performance was not his best and he was far too keen to go to ground, but a winner at Anfield is a huge moment.
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Substitutes:
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Guimaraes 62') 5
Slow to get up to the pace of the game and booked for hauling down Isak. Grew into it and had one lovely dart forward from midfield, but then played the wrong pass.
Piero Hincapie (Tzolis 84') 6
Aggressive as ever and did not have too much stress slotting in on the left in defence.
Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 84') 6
Did a decent job holding it up and trying to release come of the pressure. Added a bit more energy.
Mikel Merino (Odegaard 88') N/A
Not used: Kepa, Eze, Mosquera, White, Zubimendi.
