Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool PLAYER RATINGS: Who scored a world class goal? Which Reds star went missing in the first half? And who needs a better end product?

Liverpool twice bounced back to rescue a point against Arsenal as Mohamed Salah scored late on to keep Arne Slot‘s title challengers above the Gunners. 

Bukayo Saka‘s stunning opening strike gave Arsenal an early lead as they left Liverpool dumbfounded only for Reds captain Virgil van Dijk to respond later in the half.

However, Arne Slot watched his side’s defence broken again when new Gunners summer signing Mikel Merino scored his first goal for the club to put the hosts back in charge.

The Premier League title-chasing pair looked set to play out a goalless second-half before Mohamed Salah scored in the 81st minute to rescue a point for Liverpool. 

Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates and has rated both sets of players. 

Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1) 

DAVID RAYA: 6.5

Had a good presence in his area. Stood tall as usual in the face of proven attackers.

THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5

Was targeted on that right flank and largely withheld that pressure in a position he doesn’t usually play.

BEN WHITE: 6.5

His assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal was sublime. Kept it together at centre back.

GABRIEL: 7

Stepped up to the plate in a makeshift backline without William Saliba. His substitution on 54 minutes after going down changed the game’s momentum.

Arsenal defender Gabriel stepped up in a makeshift backline without William Saliba

David Raya stood tall as Liverpool went on the attack but was beaten twice in the game

JURRIEN TIMBER: 6

Beaten by Mo Salah a few times. Though didn’t shy away from the battle.

MIKEL MERINO: 6.5

Rebounded well after giving the ball away to Mo Salah on 14 minutes, and fluffing his lines on a Rice free-kick. Scored with a bullet header off a different Rice free-kick.

DECLAN RICE: 7

Two sublime free-kicks which resulted in a goal — but Merino should have converted both. Important protection in front of the defence.

BUKAYO SAKA: 8

Scored a world-class goal — a nutmeg on Andrew Robertson to leave him on the floor before rifling it past the goalkeeper — and a constant threat.

Bukayo Saka scored a world-class goal to put Arsenal ahead after nutmegging Andy Robertson

Summer signing Mikel Merino impressed and he manged to score his first goal for Arsenal

LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5

Not much action in front of goal but played effective passes to play team-mates through or stretch play out wide.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 7

Brought much energy and kept putting the opposition defence under pressure. Put some nice deliveries in, though will have wanted a better end product.

KAI HAVERTZ: 6

A quiet first half, more involved in the second period. Beaten to the front post on a corner for Liverpool’s first goal.

Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5

Found a way to cope without Saliba. Kept composed with tactics after Gabriel had to be substituted.

Mikel Arteta kept composed with his Arsenal tactics in a tense and fiery clash

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

CAOIMHIN KELLEHER: 6

Couldn’t have done anything to stop Merino’s bullet header, and Saka’s shot was menacing.

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD: 6

His corner-kick resulted in Liverpool equalising. Had some wild attempts at goal but his pass to Nunez for Mo Salah’s goal was exquisite.

Trent Alexander-Arnold endured mixed fortunes but showcased some pinpoint passing

IBRAHIMA KONATE: 7

Stood out at the back. Strong and got his positioning spot on. His tackle on Martinelli after 31 minutes was contentious.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK: 6

Tried to take ownership on the pitch for his side, getting on the ball often. Had moments of sloppiness in possession. Scored Liverpool’s first goal.

Virgil van Dijk had moments of sloppiness in his game but scored Liverpool’s first goal

ANDREW ROBERTSON: 5.5

Struggled against Saka, particularly in the first half.

CURTIS JONES: 6

The impact on his side’s play was limited. Found it a tough night in that midfield area.

RYAN GRAVENBERCH: 6

Overran by Rice and Merino. Difficulty in trying to impose himself with that opposition pairing competing against him.

Ryan Gravenberch (right) found it difficult imposing himself against Arsenal’s midfield

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER: 6

Battled away. A good effort in the face of a tough task.

MO SALAH: 7

Had a good chance on 14 after Merino’s mistake. Beat Timber multiple times and got his goal by the end.

Mohamed Salah was relentless in attacking Arsenal’s defence and was eventually rewarded with a goal

DARWIN NUNEZ: 6.5

Went missing in first half and at times his passing was wayward but managed to assist Salah.

LUIS DIAZ: 7

Liverpool’s best attacking outlet. Got an assist for Van Dijk’s goal and at the heart of his side’s best forays.

Manager – ARNE SLOT: 6

Would have hoped to get more from the game with no Saliba, and especially after Gabriel was forced off.

Arne Slot watched his Liverpool side rescue a late draw against Arsenal at the Emirates

Referee – ANTHONY TAYLOR: 6

A big occasion, he controlled the encounter well. Though could be argued that the tackle on Martinelli was a penalty.