The Premier League champions dropped points in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Mistakes ultimately cost the Reds as the all-time record-points tally fell out of Liverpool’s grasp following a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Here are the RTK player ratings following only Liverpool’s third defeat of the season…
Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker – 5
Christ, I’d like to know what these post-Premier League celebration drinks had in them. Had little to do most of the game but was at fault for the second goal. Very unlike the Brazilian No.1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Passing was fine just lacked his usual cutting edge with his crosses.
Joe Gomez – 7
The composed figure of the two central defenders. Passing was excellent and positioning was also commendable. Can’t be faulted for any of the goals.
Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk (L) vies for the ball against Arsenal’s English midfielder Reiss Nelson (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk – 5
A Van Dijk mistake just feels too weird to write. I’m still trying figure out if that really happened. Only his second error leading to a goal in 88 matches. Even the big Dutchman has showcased he is human.
Andy Robertson – 7
Was a menace down that left-flank. Beautifully weighted pass to assist Mane’s goal.
Fabinho – 5
Not good enough in possession and was far too clumsy with his challenges
Wijnaldum – 6
Lively figure and always looking to get on the ball, just couldn’t find that killer pass.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Tested Martinez with a decent effort. Apart from that, rather quiet on his return to the Emirates.
Mane – 7
Absolutely terrorised Arsenal’s defence in the opening 30 minutes. His goal typified his energy and was by far the standout player in the first-half.
Salah – 5
Non-existent first-half. Just couldn’t get a foothold.
Firmino – 6
Smart link-up play and almost benefitted from a Martinez mistake but his effort brushed off the post.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates with teammate Andy Robertson after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on July 15, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Childs/Pool via Getty Images)
Substitutions
Minamino – 6
Was lively when he came on and was bright with the ball. Wasn’t quite effective enough with the ball.
Origi – 5
Very poor when he came on. Needless foul late on.
Shaqiri – 6
First appearance since January. Had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled out following an Origi foul.
- Jurgen Klopp holds firm regarding Liverpool’s transfer activity this summer
- Jurgen Klopp provides James Milner update
- Be open-minded regarding the future role of Takumi Minamino
- Neco Williams has proven he is a special player, yet he has the hardest task in football ahead of him
- Alexander-Arnold will thrive under guidence of Liverpool quartet to become the ultimate captain
- Predicted Liverpool line-up v Arsenal
- Norwich City’s confirmed relegation only helps Liverpool’s hand in talented duo, if club are still interested
- Roberto Firmino has showcased on numerous occasions he is past judgement
- Joe Gomez is becoming an undroppable figure for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool