Kai Havertz’s first-half goal made the difference as Arsenal secured a rare victory at Anfield, defeating Liverpool to claim the top spot in the Premier League. It marked Arsenal’s first away win against Liverpool in the competition since 2012.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson received a 4 after his poor pass out led directly to the opening goal by Arsenal, though he did make a great save to deny Christos Tzolis. Ronald Araujo earned a 6 following a tough test against Tzolis down the left flank in his 12th consecutive start. Jeremy Jacquet was rated 6 after a performance that was shaky in patches but included a superb tackle after slipping in the second half. Virgil van Dijk was given a 6 for being reliable overall, though he was left very disappointed by how easily Liverpool gifted the lead. Milos Kerkez scored a 5 after a frustrating first half, despite delivering a lovely cross that Alexis Mac Allister failed to head in.
Trey Nyoni received a 6 in his first Premier League start, with Andoni Iraola showing faith in the 19-year-old who grew into the game after some early nerves. Mac Allister was rated 6, constantly involved in the first half but knowing he should have scored from Kerkez’s cross. Bradley Barcola earned a 7 as he caused Arsenal plenty of problems down the left flank while awaiting his first Premier League goal. Florian Wirtz got a 6 after hitting the bar with a first-half free-kick, though BBC Sport noted that a player with his price tag must do more in big games. Cody Gakpo received a 5 as Riccardo Calafiori dealt with him well, and a penalty appeal was waved away by referee Andy Madley. Alexander Isak was also rated 5 for getting into good positions without scoring, and was unlucky not to win a penalty when his shirt was pulled by Jurrien Timber.
Among Liverpool substitutes, Dominik Szoboszlai received a 6 after returning from a spell on the sidelines, Rio Ngumoha got a 5 after not getting on the ball as much as wanted, while Andres Munoz, Jayden Koumas, and Kostas Tsimikas did not receive numerical ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya earned a 7 after making a good clearance following a through ball in the first half, delivering his usual assured performance. Timber was rated 7 after managing a tough battle with Barcola on the right side. Ezri Konsa received an 8 for solid form in the middle of the back four. Gabriel Magalhaes also got an 8 for handling Isak’s threat and leading the backline. Calafiori was rated 8 for a solid defensive display despite being restricted from attacking as much as usual.
Declan Rice was named Arsenal’s best player and received an 8, providing the assist for Havertz’s goal and driving the team forward with his midfield energy. Bruno Guimaraes got a 6 for an all-action display before being substituted just after the hour mark. Martin Odegaard was rated 6 after winning back the ball to start the opening goal move. Noni Madueke received a 6 after shaking off a knock to play a heavy part in the goal before tiring. Tzolis earned a 6 on his first start since September, threatening from the left and forcing Alisson into an excellent curling save. Havertz received a 7 for scoring the decisive goal following a difficult couple of matches, while also linking the play well.
Arsenal substitutes Myles Lewis-Skelly received a 7 for coming on to calm the game down as Liverpool pressed for an equalizer, and Piero Hincapie, Viktor Gyokeres, and Mikel Merino all received a 6 for their late introductions.
Following the conclusion of the fan rating window, the scores displayed reflect the average submissions from all BBC Sport users.
