Liverpool 2:2 Arsenal Player Ratings: The Gunners Comeback Strong to Earn a Draw Against Liverpool

A festive Anfield saw an intense and thrilling encounter in which Liverpool let slip a 2-goal lead to Arsenal in a what was a pulsating 2-2 draw in gameweek 36 of the Premier League. Goals from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo were cancelled out by Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino. Liverpool boss Arne Slot decided to name what resembled his strongest side, with only the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold dropping to the bench and Connor Bradley taking his place. For Arsenal, their influential midfielder Declan Rice missed out, with his place in the 11 taken by Mikel Merino.

The game had more importance for Arsenal, who wanted to put their midweek disappointment behind them and put in a convincing performance, which can give them a bit of breathing room from the chasing pack.

While Liverpool were accused of playing with the championship hangover in last week's defeat to Chelsea, there were no such qualms this time around. Egged on by a festive Anfield crowd, the home side immediately took control of proceedings, stringing passes and trying to stretch open the Arsenal backline to make space for their runners.

Their approach almost gave them the perfect start. Mo Salah got the ball on the right flank, and after jinking past a couple of defenders, he put it on a plate for the onrushing Luis Diaz, but his shot was brilliantly kept out by Arsenal keeper David Raya.

That only spurred Liverpool on further as they launched wave after wave of attacks, which Arsenal were finding increasingly difficult to keep out with each move.

The Liverpool pressure eventually told off as they plundered two quickfire goals in the space of just 87 seconds. First, Robertson's quick throw and cross found Cody Gakpo, who headed home emphatically from close range. Then, Dominik Szoboszlai took advantage of some poor Gunners defending to put it on a plate for Diaz, who had the simple task of putting it into an empty net.

The Reds had a chance to add a third in no time, but Curtis Jones got his footing wrong and his shot whizzed wide of the target. Arsenal could just not muster any attack of note, and despite having possession in promising areas, could not make that count as the Liverpool defense put numbers in front of the ball and cleared danger at any given opportunity.

The half-time whistle was a welcome sound for the Gunners, who were completely off-kilter and seemed to have no answer to Liverpool's slick, incisive, and precise attacks. The hosts, on the other hand, went into half-time with a comfortable 2-goal cushion and a positive display to boot.

Arsenal needed a response in the second half, and they got just that. A wonderful cross by Leandro Trossard from the left found an unmarked Gabriel Martinelli, who nodded home with a glancing header. That goal certainly brought out a better performance as the Gunners then began to go hell for leather in search of an equalizer.

From then on, it was Liverpool who were holding on as Arsenal became the aggressors in the second half. They probed, pressed, and harried, and were eventually rewarded as Odegaard's vicious shot was saved brilliantly by Alisson, but Mikel Merino was on hand to bundle in the rebound to make it all square.

The game had enough time to produce more drama. Merino was given his marching orders for a second bookable offense, Alexander-Arnold saw his free-kick whistle wide, Diogo Jota saw his shot go agonizingly wide, while Andy Robertson thought he scored the winner right at the death, only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. That was all as the referee blew his whistle to bring to a close what was a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes of Premier League action.

Here are the Liverpool vs Arsenal Player Ratings.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Arsenal

GK- Alisson- 6/10

Did not have a lot to do in the first half due to his strong backline. Could not do much to prevent Arsenal's opening goal. Was helpless to stop the equalizer on the follow-up after a stunning save to block the initial shot.

RB- Connor Bradley- 6/10

It was an impressive performance from the youngster who was starting in place of Alexander-Arnold. Was strong and physical enough in defense while always providing an outlet in attack on the right flank.

RCB- Ibrahima Konate-6/10

His 70-yard dash from his own half before passing it to Szoboszlai was a key part in the build-up to the second goal. His dodgy positioning in the box allowed Martinelli the space to score from the box.

LCB- Virgil van Dijk- 6/10

It was as usual a dominating performance at the heart of defense by the Liverpool skipper. Stood tall to repeal any danger and made sure Alisson had precious little to do for most of the game.

LB- Andrew Robertson- 7/10

The Scot's quick thinking from a throw-in was the key reason for Liverpool taking the lead. His quick throw, coupled with a lovely cross for Gakpo led to the first goal. While Saka did get the better of him in certain occasions, he held his own for the majority of that contest. Though he won his side the game at the death but saw his goal disallowed.

CDM- Ryan Gravenberch- 5.5/10

The Dutchman was a step behind compared to the rest of his side, as he gave away the ball quite often. Was also iffy in possession.

CDM- Curtis Jones- 6/10

Was industrious in midfield, had a great chance in the first half to make it 3-0, but lost his footing and fluffed his lines. Was subbed in the second half.

RW- Mohamed Salah- 6.5/10

While he did not register a goal or an assist, his play is more valuable than the output he provides. His running, trickery, and intelligence always meant that Liverpool had an extra option whenever they had the ball in attack. Complete all-round performance.

CAM- Dominik Szoboszlai- 7/10

Kept the Liverpool attack moving with his passing and range. His assist for the second goal was a good mix of timing and skill, putting two defenders and the goalie out of play

LW- Cody Gakpo- 7/10

Showed great awareness and poacher's instinct to ghost behind the Arsenal defense and thump his header for the opening goal. Was good with his hold up play as well. Subbed after the hour mark.

ST- Luis Diaz- 7/10

Had an excellent chance to score within the first 10 minutes of the game but was thwarted by Raya. Would not be denied the second time as he scored from a virtually unmissable range. Was full of running and energy as he always provides.

Sub- Darwin Nunez- 5/10

Was not very involved as Arsenal were doing all the heavy running. Was decent in his hold-up play.

Sub- Alexis MacAllister- 5/10

Was not able to make a significant contribution. Did the small things without fuss.

Sub- Trent Alexander-Arnold- 5.5/10

Had a good chance from a free kick that went wide. Did not make much of an impact otherwise.

Sub- Diogo Jota- N/A

Was a late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Harvey Elliott- N/A

Was a late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Arne Slot- 6/10

Was an excellent first half performance but will not be happy with letting a 2-goal advantage slip. Will also be disappointed to not take advantage of Arsenal being a man down. It was a much better performance than last week, but still not good enough from the champions.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Liverpool

GK- David Raya- 5.5/10

Started excellently by brilliantly keeping out Diaz's goal-bound effort. While he could not do much for either goals, he made 3 saves in total and was reliable with his distribution.

RB- Ben White- 5.5/10

Got forward quite often and was a lively presence on the right. Had a couple of good long balls and crosses.

RCB- William Saliba- 5.5/10

A rather cold performance from the Frenchman as he seemed to be a step slower and not his normally imperious self that we have come to see. Had a few clearances and put in a few good tackles.

LCB- Jakub Kiwior-6/10

The better of the two centre backs as he ensured that no Liverpool player dribbled past him. Was strong in the tackle and steady in possession as well.

LB- Myles Lewis-Skelly- 5/10

The teenager was given a tough afternoon by MO Salah as he found marking him a tough assignment. He then resorted to a bear hug to contain the Egyptian, which rightly earned him a booking.

RCM- Martin Ødegaard- 7/10

The Gunners' skipper was as reliable as they come today. Strung passes, did the dirty work. His vicious shot was the catalyst for the Arsenal equaliser that saw Merino score from the follow-up.

CM- Thomas Partey- 5.5/10

The Ghanaian could not deal with the movement of the midfield duo of Jones and Gravenberch as he found himself overrun multiple times. Won his fair share of ground duels (7/11) and completed both his dribbles.

LCM- Mikel Merino- 6.5/10

An anonymous first half gave way to a much better second half. Was the hero briefly as his header brough the Gunners on level terms but was then sent off shortly for a second bookable offense. As Jekyll and Hyde of a performance as they come.

RW- Bukayo Saka- 6/10

Had 4 shots on goal that saw 1 saved, 1 blocked, and the other two off target. Took every opportunity to run at Robertson and found enough success as well.

ST- Leandro Trossard- 7.5/10

The Belgian was arguably the best Arsenal player on the pitch. Playing in a typically unfamiliar striker's role, he was everywhere for his side. Gave the assist for the opening Arsenal goal that kickstarted the comeback.

RW- Gabriel Martinelli- 6.5/10

Scored the goal that gave his side hope to make the comeback. Wasn't much of an influence before or after the goal in the overall proceedings of the game.

Sub- Keiran Tierney- N/A

Was a late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Riccardo Calafiori- N/A

Was a late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Oleksandr Zinchenko- N/A

Was a late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Mikel Arteta- 6/10

Oversaw a rudderless display in the first half. Ensured that his team gave a fitting response in the second. Made changes at the right time but will not be happy with the one point.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match goes to Leandro Trossard.