Liverpool drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Monday, performing excellently in the process. In the player ratings hot-seat this week is Henry Jackson.
Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
Premier League – Emirates Stadium – Monday, 24th August 2015
Simon Mignolet– 7.5
A very impressive performance by the Belgian, who produced a superb second-half display having been rarely tested in the opening 45 minutes.
The 27-year-old made a great stop to deny Olivier Giroud, and also kept out good efforts from Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. A bit nervy from crosses still, but that’s being overly critical.
Clyne was once against brilliant at right-back. Defensively he is the best Liverpool have had in that position for a decade, and he also offered plenty going forward.
An outstanding signing who will only get better.
Martin Skrtel- 8
Skrtel grew and grew as the match went on, and by the end of the game he was performing absolutely heroically at centre-back.
He won endless aerial duels, made some vital clearances and played with more authority than he has in the past. Very encouraging.
Dejan Lovren– 8
The Croatian will also be delighted with his performance, as he continues to improve after a dreadful first year on Merseyside.
He was reliable from start to finish, and is playing with so much more confidence now. Arguably even more solid than Skrtel overall.
Joe Gomez– 8.5
Is this kid really just 18 years of age?
Gomez was once again sensational, winning several defensive battles against the relentless Alexis Sanchez and playing with a maturity beyond his years.
The 18-year-old is now the undisputed first-choice at left-back, and was Liverpool’s star man on a night of great displays.
Lucas Leiva– 7.5
The Brazilian waved to the fans as he left the pith in the second-half, and if this was to be his last appearance for the Reds, he went out in style.
The 28-year-old made the whole team look more solid with his defensive expertise, and his use of the ball was brilliantly understated.
Emre Can– 7.5
The young German got through an amazing amount of work, and added pace, power and dynamism to the midfield.
He tired as the match went on, but that is understandable given his lack of playing time. A box-to-box powerhouse.
James Milner– 7.5
Another terrific performance from the 29-year-old, who covered endless ground and looked a class act on the ball all night.
Had it had not for Petr Cech, there is every chance Coutinho would again have been the match-winner for Liverpool.
The Brazilian saw a number of efforts saved by the Arsenal goalkeeper, but also produced some truly outrageous tricks and flicks. A constant threat, and a footballer of ridiculous quality.
Firmino will be pleased with his debut for the Reds. He showed some nice touches and an admirable work-rate throughout, and will only improve the more game time he gets.
Christian Benteke- 7.5
Another strong showing from Liverpool’s new star striker, who is surely earning more and more admirers by the game.
He was a constant physical menace, and his general touch, movement and influence were impressive, particularly in the first-half. Should have scored with a wonderful chance, however.
Substitutes
Jordon Ibe (on for Firmino ’63)- 5
The 19-year-old was poor when he came on, looking a liability both on and off the ball. Still very raw.
Jordan Rossiter (on for Lucas ’76)- 6.5
The teenager will be pleased with the way he slotted into the midfield in place of Lucas.
Alberto Moreno (on for Coutinho ’87)- n/a
No time to really make an impact, although should have done better with a late counter-attack.
Brendan Rodgers- 8
The Liverpool manager had a very good day at the office. He got his team selection spot on, with Lucas and Emre Can adding a great amount to the side, and Firmino offering more quality than Ibe and Adam Lallana.
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[statsfc-player-rater key=2dCG2IPndnJBm4GL141AFJQnx7Wsl6gT3JGGW02u team=Liverpool date=2015-08-24 default_css=false]
