Arsenal make a huge statement with win over Liverpool. Player ratings, winners and losers.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League in a thrilling game with Liverpool where the Gunners had to take the lead 3 times in a 3-2 win to overcome the Scousers.
While this fixture promises goals in being the highest scoring fixture in Premier League history, Arsenal have only scored a grand total of one goal in their last 6 games in all competitions against Jurgen Klopp Liverpool team. In those six games the aggregate score was 12-1 to Liverpool which just puts into context how much Arsenal have always struggled against Klopp's men.
Arsenal couldn't of asked for a better start when Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the lead after 58 seconds. Darwin Nunez got Liverpool a deserved equaliser to make it 1-1, Liverpool were on top for the rest of the half however it was Arsenal stole the lead thanks to another Bukayo Saka goal against a top 6 side, who tapped in a wonderful Gabriel Martinelli ball at the back post right at the end of the half.
Arsenal came out all guns blazing in the second half however Roberto Firmino grabbed an equaliser completely against the run of play to make 2-2. Arsenal dominated the rest of the half and were finally given their award when Gabriel Jesus was fouled by Thiago in the box for an Arsenal penalty which Bukayo Saka tucked away for the winner.
While the win was massively important for Arsenal to return to the top of the league it was a huge win mentally. What it would of meant to finally get over this mental block and win against a side they have struggled against for years.
Winners
It was a massive decision to play Tomiyasu at left back over what would of the expected deputy Kieran Tierney, especially considering apart from sub appearances and Europa League games Tomiyasu hasn't started any games while Kieran Tierney has started a handful of league games. All eyes were on the Japanese international who was up against up of the best wingers in the world in Mo Salah however he produced a defensive dominate performance. The Egyptian had only one shot which went far wide and was hooked with 20 minutes to play which further shows how well Tomiyasu did. The only negative of the decision is to wonder how Kieran Tierney felt about the decision, hopefully he still has a role to play in this team.
While this is a Arsenal page, we have to talk about Jurgen Klopp. Jurgen Klopp is one of the managers we'll ever see in this league and in no world Liverpool should think of getting rid of him but this Liverpool team is in dire need of a refresh. Not a total rebuild but certainly they need a younger and better squad. Players like Henderson, Milner and co time is coming to its end. Things aren't gonna get easier for Klopp with the news of Luis Diaz six week injury and with the visit of high flying Man City and Tottenham in the next couple weeks, this is no doubt his toughest period of Liverpool manager.
Player Ratings
Aaron Ramsdale 6/10
Couldn't do anything about either goal, made a good stop to deny Saliba scoring a own goal. His kicking not at usual high standard.
Ben White 7/10
What a player, once again solid as a rock. Made some really nice runs forward as well. Certainly was the best English right back on the day.
Was solid as usual but was wrong footed for Jota's ball to find Firmino for the 2nd equaliser. Had a decent game as usual.
Gabriel 6/10
While he was at question for the Nunez's goal the little dummy for Saka's goal shouldn't go unnoticed so key. Again like Saliba had very little to do after Liverpool's 2nd goal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu 8/10
As mentioned above kept Mo Salah in his back pocket. Such a good performance from a player playing out of position as well.
Thomas Partey 7/10
Actually thought he struggled in the 1st half but in the 2nd half was just excellent after the interval, dominated the midfield.
Granit Xhaka 7/10
Another fantastic performance, wasn't as attacking or higher up as usual but still really good.
Wonderful pass to find Martinelli for his goal, should of scored early on in the second half. Was a joy to watch a times in the second half.
Caused Liverpool nightmares all day, goal and assist just looks so much stronger and faster this year. Need to tie him down to a new long term contract.
Bukayo Saka 8/10
Despite the goal in the first half was a bit quiet but in the second half was superb. Showed nerves of steel with his penalty.
Gabriel Jesus 8/10
Will have some amount of cuts and bruises after this game. Never stopped running or working only thing that was missing a goal.
Subs
Kieran Tierney 5/10:
Did his job well when he came on at lwb.
Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira: N/A weren't on for long enough.
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