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The Sadio Mane Show: How Did Each Player Fare In Liverpool Vs Arsenal Game

Woeful Arsenal Continue To Struggle

Arsenal’s poor away form continued as they were beaten by a Liverpool side that were dominant, energetic and they came out victorious 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday. It was a bizarre decision from Arsene Wenger to bench Alexis Sanchez for the game and it backfired as Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm. His introduction in the second half gave them little hope of a comeback but it was short-lived as Liverpool scored their 3rd goal late on. Here’s how the players fared:

Arsenal Player Ratings

Petr Cech – 5/10

Was beaten properly by all the three Liverpool goals but made a few good saves to keep out Liverpool from making the score embarrassing for his side.

Hector Bellerin – 5/10

Looked better while attacking but he was caught out too often when defending. Looked rather uncomfortable in dealing with Coutinho.

Nacho Monreal – 5/10

The other Spanish full-back struggled to keep up with Mane as he found himself defending deep. He sent in a few good crosses from the left.

Laurent Koscielny – 5/10

Had a difficult time dealing with the Liverpool attackers and couldn’t do much as he wasn’t up to the pace of the game. Had a much better second half and he grew in confidence but to no avail.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10

Probably Arsenal’s best defender on the night, despite having a few shaky moments. However, he didn’t get caught out very often and made several important interceptions.

Granit Xhaka – 5/10

The Swiss midfielder lacked quality and was not at his best despite improving as the game wore on. However, he had left out a lot of space behind his position whenever he ventured forward.

Francis Coquelin – 4/10

Struggled in midfield as he couldn’t live with the hurrying and urgency of the Liverpool team, especially Lallana. He was replaced by Sanchez at half-time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5/10

He had a decent game but didn’t do anything extraordinary. He improved once he was slotted into the central midfield at half-time, but to no fruition.

Alex Iwobi – 5/10

He did not make an impact and was one of the most ineffective Arsenal players. Made a few good runs but was well covered by Liverpool’s defense.

Danny Welbeck – 6/10

Arguably Arsenal’s best player. Scored the goal that got Arsenal some hope and looked lively after Sanchez came on but couldn’t impact too much as he wasn’t provided with good service.

Olivier Giroud – 5/10

Was frustrated with the quality of service he was receiving throughout the game. Just had one headed effort on goal that was well saved by Mignolet. He wasn’t as effective in the air as he usually is.

Substitutes

Alexis Sanchez – 6/10

Provided an assist to Welbeck and impressed with his clever tricks and flicks but could not get Arsenal back into the game.

Lucas Perez 5/10

Didn’t have a positive impact despite making some good moves in front of Mignolet’s goal.

Theo Walcott – 5/10

Had only little to offer but drifted in and out of the game, unable to muster any threat.

 

Liverpool Player Ratings

Simon Mignolet – 6/10

Made a few good stops and looked confident in the air. However, should have stayed in his line instead of coming out to smother Welbeck’s goal, for which he was partly at fault.

Nathanial Clyne – 6/10

Was bombing forward in the first half and was defensively solid but Sanchez’ introduction stopped him from attacking and could’ve done better to keep up with the run of Welbeck for Arsenal’s goal.

Joel Matip – 7/10

Was not troubled as much he would have expected to be but he put on a good show being smart and composed throughout the game, not giving Arsenal any clear-cut openings.

Ragnar Klavan – 7/10

The Estonian centre-back was strong and paired up well with Matip dealing well with almost everything that came his way. Kept the momentum going by playing out from the back and thwarting any dangers.

James Milner – 6/10

Worked hard and was well involved in defense and attack for Liverpool on the left. Coped with the Arsenal attackers in his makeshift left-back position despite making deep forward runs from time to time. Kept the Liverpool attack on with his good passing.

Emre Can – 6/10

Played an important role in the base of the midfield in supporting the defence and controlling the tempo of the game. Played a smart game and sprung out a few dangerous passes from the back. Made a cynical challenge on Sanchez to earn a booking and was lucky not to get another a few minutes later.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10

The Dutchman had a terrific game and his distribution was good. He retained possession and won it back when his side lost it. Got his goal to seal the victory late in the second half as he continued running.

Philippe Coutinho – 8/10

Was integral in Liverpool’s attack, being the creative outlet and linked up well with Firmino and Mane. Surprisingly he didn’t get his goal despite having good opportunities.

Adam Lallana – 8/10

The driving force of the team, as Arsenal could not live with his energy all over the pitch. Was sublime in passing and winning the ball back for his team, causing plenty of problems for the visiting side.

Sadio Mane – 9/10

Was lively and was a threat every time he had the ball. His pace was just too much for Arsenal to handle. Got an assist for Firmino’s goal and scored with a fierce shot after being set-up by the Brazilian. Was a thorough menace.

Roberto Firmino – 9/10

Scored Liverpool’s opener and was a threat on the break. Held up play superbly well and was quick with his passing. Managed to set up an assist for Mane with his clever footballing instincts.

Substitutes

Divock Origi – 8/10

Hit the post with a header and assisted Wijnaldum’s goal after coming on for Coutinho.

Lucas Leiva – 6/10

Brought on to stop the Arsenal attacks and see off the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – N/A

Introduced late on and didn’t have a touch of the ball.