Liverpool vs Arsenal player ratings from tense match at Anfield: Who starred?

Sometimes just one moment makes a game, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s tremendous late free kick lifted Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Arsenal in a scrappy affair at Anfield on Sunday.

MORE — Recap, highlights | Slot reaction | Arteta reaction

There were stars other than Szoboszlai, but they were mostly limited to the back end on both sides as attackers struggled to assert themselves in this would-be Premier League title scrap.

There were absences, injuries, and plenty else to consider for bosses Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta. By the end it felt like a tale of two halves as Liverpool rebounded in the second half and emerged with the victory.

So who starred and slumped for host Liverpool and visiting Arsenal on Sunday?

Liverpool vs Arsenal player ratings out of 10

Alisson Becker: 6.5 — Solid save on Madueke off a 22nd-minute corner kick. The Brazilian had little else to do.

Milos Kerkez: 7 — Engaged early and often with Noni Madueke, making a terrific recovery on a 21st-minute tackle in the Liverpool box. Was on the losing end early but turned it around well.

Ibrahima Konate (Off 79′): 6.5 — Excellent with the ball in an improved display before limping off with an apparent upper leg injury.

Virgil van Dijk: 7.5 — Led the game in touches and played with a real edge, sometimes crossing the line in his successful efforts to set the tone.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 8.5 — Deputizing at right back, the Hungarian’s free kick goal in the 83rd minute was an otherworldly hit. But his 12 defensive contributions tell the tale of a complete performance.

Ryan Gravenberch: 7 — Typically steady.

Alexis Mac Allister (Off ’61): 6.5 — A tidy return to the lineup saw him exit the game as the only player to have created multiple chances.

Florian Wirtz (Off 89′): 7 — His best day so far in a Liverpool shirt before limping off with what the Reds will hope is simply a cramp.

Mohamed Salah: 5.5 — Effective only for a short stint around the hour mark. Not in good form.

Cody Gakpo: 6.5 — Strong and physical, but quiet in the final third.

Hugo Ekitike (Off 79′): 5 — Just 18 touches on a day of frustration.

Subs
Curtis Jones (On ’61): 6.5 — Very tidy with the ball, no mistakes without it.
Joe Gomez (On ’79): 7 — A short but strong shift with a game-high four headed clearances.
Federico Chiesa (On ’79): N/A
Wataru Endo (On ’89): N/A

William Saliba (Off 5′): N/A — A lower left leg injury is a major cause for concern, especially with replays showing no clear indication of major direct contact from Hugo Ekitike.

Gabriel Magalhaes: 6.5 — Passed the ball well and made very few missteps.

Riccardo Calafiori: 8.5 — He comes into the midfield so well from the left side, and that seems to mess with the opponent. The Italian has been his team’s star in all three games so far this season.

Martin Zubimendi: 5.5 — Certainly wasn’t poor but did not assert himself in the second half. Gave away the central free kick that produced Szoboszlai’s winner.

Declan Rice: 6.5 — Just a bit sloppy at times in an otherwise typically strong day. Was certainly not the reason Arsenal failed to get something from Anfield.

Mikel Merino (Off 70′): 6.5 — Brilliant 34th-minute block after Virgil van Dijk bullied his way into an interception of a David Raya pass.

Noni Madueke (Off 89′): 6.5 — Faded badly after a sensational first 20 minutes that saw him threatening to fire Arsenal in front.

Gabriel Martinelli (Off 70′): 5 — Only Gyokeres and Saliba had fewer touches in the game amongst starters when Martinelli subbed off this almost-silent display. Saliba played less than five minutes.

Viktor Gyokeres: 5 — Just 17 touches in 90 minutes as Liverpool controlled the heart of the 18.

Subs
Cristhian Mosquera (On ‘5): 7.5 — Really, really good answer to a big ask over 85 minutes as a sub.
Eberechi Eze (On 70′): 6.5 — Bright enough to demand a start with Madueke and Gyokeres.
Martin Odegaard (On 70′): N/A
Max Dowman (On 89′): N/A