ARSENAL were undone by a world-beating Liverpool free-kick to lose ground on the next best team in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners took control of the game early but failed to step up the tempo and lacked the courage to hurt Arne Slot‘s side – who were lacklustre for large parts of the game again.
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But the champions did what champions do best and found a way to win in the dying embers of what threatened to be a goalless snooze fest.
This time make-shift right back Dominik Szoboszlai morphed into Trent Alexander-Arnold and unleashed an outstanding free-kick past David Raya from 32 YARDS in the 83rd minute.
Here’s how SunSport’s Arsenal Reporter Jordan Davies rated and slated Mikel Arteta‘s side in their first defeat of the season.
DAVID RAYA – 5/10
Very little to do in terms of save-making but looked nervy with ball at feet, almost costing his side in the first half with a poor pass out down the middle of the pitch.
Fumbled a Wirtz shot that led to a goal, only to have his blushes spared by the offside flag, but was left red-faced from a stunning long-range free-kick in off the post.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
A bit sloppy in possession but defensively sound when he needed to be. Arsenal really miss White and Saka’s attacking link-up down the right.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 5
Lasted less than five minutes, hobbling off with an injury to hand Arsenal a nightmare start. Appeared to have been in pain from the opening seconds after kicking the ball out.
GABRIEL – 7
Lost his defensive partner early on but was a rock in his absence, and carried the inexperienced Mosquera with him. A real leader’s performance, similar to that of Van Dijk for Liverpool.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7
Preferred once again to Lewis-Skelly and barely put a foot wrong. Was aggressive with Salah and it paid off, keeping the Egyptian quiet, and was a threat down the other end.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 6
Lucky not to be booked for a cynical trip in the first half, but kept things ticking over in midfield, sitting deeper and deeper as time went on.
MIKEL MERINO – 6
A workman-like display. No thrills or spills taking the place of Odegaard. Helped Arsenal nullify the Liverpool transition, but had little impact elsewhere.
DECLAN RICE – 5
Another quiet outing for the England man. He wasted a good free-kick chance and his corner deliveries were very hit and miss.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
A lively first half – Arsenal’s best and most dangerous player. Had Kerkez on toast for most of it and came close to scoring with a neat volley.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Wasteful when given a few chances on the counter attack, despite some decent movement ahead of him.
Should really have made make-shift right back Szoboszlai sweat more.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 5
Struggled against the pace and power of Konate, bullied for most of the match.
The one time he found space in behind, he created a chance, but had very little service for himself.
Nevertheless, you would expect more from him. His frustration showed by picking up a yellow by raking his studs down the ankle of Van Dijk.
SUBS:
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (SALIBA, 5) – 7
A fine display from the young kid being chucked into the deep end. Did not deserve to be on a losing side.
MARTIN ODEGAARD (MERINO, 70) – 6
Stepped up with some energy when Arsenal were searching for a goal, but
EBERECHI EZE (MARTINELLI, 70) – 6
The long-awaited debut, but struggled to make an impact. Had one clear dribble towards goal in the box but was not strong enough.
