“Tell him to pack up and go; I don’t want him at my club anymore. He missed an open goal and was responsible for the second goal,” – Arsenal’s Arteta has ordered the underperforming player to leave the club immediately
“Tell him to pack up and go; I don’t want him at my club anymore. He missed an open goal and was responsible for the second goal,” – Arsenal’s Arteta has ordered the underperforming player to leave the club immediately.
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates on match day nine of the Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta will feel deflated from the 90 minutes of action in North London, as the result pushed Arsenal further away from the top of the table.
Things started well for the Gunners, as Arsenal fans dubbed Saka ‘world-class’ for his goal to open the scoring.
Goals from Virgil van Dijk, Mikel Merino and Mohamed Salah followed to see the well-contested game end level at the Emirates.
Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool
David Raya – 6
It was a surprisingly quiet evening for Raya, who was strong when called upon against Slot’s side.
The Spaniard would have asked some questions about those defending him as he was unable to keep a clean sheet.
Jurrien Timber – 7
On his return from injury, Timber was handed one of the Premier League’s toughest challenges, marking Mohamed Salah.
The Dutchman showed his innate level of composure on the left side of defence, keeping one of the world’s best wingers relatively quiet for the majority at the Emirates.
Ben White – 7
Superb ball to assist Saka, looked comfortable at centre-back and made the absence of William Saliba seem somewhat insignificant in that sense. Stepped up on a trialling evening for Arsenal’s back four.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
For the first time in almost a year, Gabriel was forced to start a Premier League game without Saliba beside him.
The Brazilian did well to maintain the visitors while he was on the pitch, with Arsenal’s worst nightmares realised as the centre-back had to be withdrawn early due to injury.
Thomas Partey – 7
A lot of pressure was put on Partey, who was selected to play right-back in the absence of Riccardo Calafiori.
The Ghanaian dealt with the demands very well, helping Arteta when Arsenal’s defensive resources were near their lowest.
Declan Rice – 8
Rice undoubtedly plays his best football in the deeper number six role, and was the Gunners’ unsung hero against Liverpool.
The midfielder was integral to the midfield amid Arsenal’s squad changes, with his assist for Merino’s goal something to behold.
Mikel Merino – 6.5
It was a dream full home Premier League debut for Merino, who scored to put the Gunners ahead before half time.
The Spaniard latched onto Arsenal’s set piece superiority however, is taking more time to become re-accustomed to football in England.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Energetic in the press in the midfield role but, lost the ball too frequently in a position where fewer risks had to be taken.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Struggled to get into the game, which was largely down to the presence of Ibrahima Konate and co, who seemed to be a step ahead of Martinelli throughout the contest.
Bukayo Saka – 9
Saka was the talk of the town before the game and quickly became the talk of the tie, scoring in the ninth minute to put Arsenal ahead.
The winger got the better of Andy Robertson before finishing exquisitely past Caoimhin Kelleher, with his overall wing play, particularly in the first half, at an unstoppable level.
He is Arsenal’s heartbeat.
Kai Havertz – 6
There will be arguments over whether Havertz could have done better to defend in the build up to Van Dijk’s goal, as the German missed the header at the near post before the centre-back converted.
Substitutes
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Kiwior was called into action when Gabriel was forced to withdraw early due to injury.
The Poland international did a competent job in central-defence in a high-pressured scenario against Arsenal’s title rivals but, the gap between Arteta’s first choices and himself is quite staggering.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Arteta’s trust in young Lewis-Skelly was made clear as the defender replaced Timber. The teenager was unfortunate to have played a part in Liverpool’s equaliser.
Gabriel Jesus – N/A
