The spoils were shared at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in North London.
The returning Bukayo Saka rifled the Gunners in front in the opening exchanges as he evaded the attention of Andy Roberston before firing the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher and into the roof of the net.
It did not take long for Arne Slot’s team to respond as Virgil van Dijk equalised from close range following a dangerous corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But Arsenal would regain their advantage before the break as Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino was left unmarked from a set-piece situation to nod in his first goal for the North London club.
The hosts grew weary as the contest drew on and Liverpool punished their vulnerability as they restored parity for a second time.
Darwin Nunez broke behind the Arsenal backline before teeing up the inevitable Mohamed Salah, who stroked the ball past David Raya to ensure they did not make the trip back to Liverpool empty-handed.
Arne Slot will arguably be the happier of the two managers after his side were twice behind in the match. His players showed resilience to collect a point, so let’s rate their individual performances.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool – Liverpool Player Ratings
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
The Irishman put in a solid display to help his side earn a valuable point on the road.
In recent weeks, Kelleher has deputised for the injured Allison, but it is evident that the youngster has trained and learned of one of the world’s best. Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper takes risks in possession, is comfortable under pressure and is capable of making saves from point-blank range.
There was not a lot he could do about either of the goals he conceded.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Alexander-Arnold’s influence on the game followed a usual pattern as the technically gifted full-back probed with his passing range.
He was the architect for both goals as Van Dijk’s goal originated from his in-swinging corner and Salah’s vital equaliser was made by Alexander-Arnold’s defence-splitting pass into Darwin Nunez.
However, Martinelli gave Alexander-Arnold a tough time defensively.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
It was an eventful evening for Van Dijk as the commanding defender was called into action on several occasions as well as getting himself on the scoresheet.
Liverpool’s captain evaded his marker Thomas Partey to nod home Liverpool’s first leveller in the first half. He stayed switched on defensively as Arsenal whipped an abundance of crosses into the box, but the large majority of them were met by the forehead of the defender.
Virgil van Dijk levels it up on his 100th appearance as Liverpool captain 💪 pic.twitter.com/3qE3HmUqCU
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 27, 2024
Ibrahima Konate – 8
Konate was part of a defensive partnership with Van Dijk that limited Arsenal’s presentable chances.
Though he escaped a penalty appeal in the first half, Konate was a rock as Liverpool battled to a point.
The Frenchman covered the space vacated by Alexander-Arnold and did not lose a single duel (3/3) or tackle (2/2), in addition to leading the game for clearances (6) and recoveries (6). A solid showing.
Ibrahima Konate vs Arsenal
6 – Clearances
3 – Headed Clearances
6 – Recoveries
100% – Ground Duels Won
2/2 – Tackles WonBrilliant performance from Konate! pic.twitter.com/C57xDZQWoI
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 27, 2024
Andy Robertson – 4
The Scotland international was a shadow of his usual self at the Emirates Stadium and was at fault for Saka’s opening goal.
Robertson was nutmegged by the winger as he tried to halt his own momentum and his excessive commitment to the intervention gave the attacker the opportunity to lash Arsenal in front.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Gravenberch held his own in a midfield battle that involved plenty of brawn and robustness.
The physical responsibility was on the shoulders of Gravenberch in the engine room and took on Arsenal with a pugnacious display.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
The diminutive Argentine picked up a booking just after the half-hour mark and that halted his involvement in breaking up play.
His creativity was thwarted by the double-pivot of Merino and Declan Rice who used their physical advantages to fend off the midfielder.
Curtis Jones – 6
The Liverpool academy graduate deserved his inclusion in the starting berth after his imposing display against Chelsea last weekend.
Jones put in a combative display to ensure the opposing midfield was unable to dominate but he could not conjure up any creative magic to propel his team to victory.
Mohamed Salah – 7
The Egyptian is inevitable in the big occasions, and he made his mark once again at the Emirates Stadium.
Salah was uncharacteristically quiet for the majority of the evening but came alive at the perfect moment.
His underlapping run beyond Nunez displayed his superb attacking acumen and the subsequent finish was taken with customary composure.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) October 27, 2024
Luis Diaz – 6
The Colombian picked up his second assist of the campaign after making a darting run towards the near post and flicking Alexander-Arnold’s corner into the path of Van Dijk to nod home.
He ultimately did not ask enough questions of makeshift right-back Thomas Partey, who would have been identified by his manager before the game as a potential weakness in an otherwise unwavering backline.
Darwin Nunez – 7
The polarising forward played a selfless game and worked tirelessly for Arne Slot’s team.
His efforts came to fruition in the second half as he expertly teed up Salah to restore parity for the second time.
Nunez used his athleticism and pace to burst in behind the Arsenal backline before rolling the ball into the path of his teammate to net the equaliser.
Substitutes
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Arne Slot made the decision to take off the out-of-sorts Robertson as part of a triple substitution in the second half.
It was a positive alteration of personnel by the Dutch tactician as Tsimikas looked much more comfortable, which was aided by Saka tiring as the game grew on due to his recent injury issues.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Szoboszlai introduced some purpose and drive into Liverpool’s midfield which saw the Reds look the most likely to score the winner.
Cody Gakpo – 5
After coming on for Diaz, Gakpo ended up being a passenger in the contest as he struggled to establish himself as a threat.
Wataru Endo – N/A
The Japanese midfielder was brought on in the closing stages for Curtis Jones.
