Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Premier League player ratings from Anfield

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Alisson Rarely tested even when Arsenal were in control. His shift comprised of a save in each half from Madueke and some risky passes. 7/10

Dominik Szoboszlai Retained as a makeshift right back and answered the call in match-winning style. Liverpool’s best performer even without his stunning free-kick. 9

Ibrahima Konaté More like the powerhouse of last season as he dominated Gyökeres and at set-pieces, only to hobble off with cramp late on. 8

Virgil van Dijk Made an unusually uncertain start but, as Liverpool pushed up and improved in the second half, so did their captain. 8

Milos Kerkez Struggled for pace against Madueke but always able to recover and stifle the threat. Enjoyed the physical battle and more solid. 8

Ryan Gravenberch Worked tirelessly to protect his defence and prevent Arsenal from capitalising on their superior first half display. An energetic, intelligent presence. 7

Alexis Mac Allister Not yet up to speed after an injury-hit pre-season. Distribution was ropey and unable to exert his usual influence on midfield. 6

Mohamed Salah Quiet by his elevated standards, particularly first half, but gave Calafiori a few scares when the champions stepped up after the break. 6

Florian Wirtz The game largely passed by the £100m signing. Improved in the second half but that was compared to an anonymous opening. Went off with cramp. 5

Cody Gakpo This wasn’t a match for forwards to showcase their talents and, apart from one shot straight at Raya, he was on the margins. 6

Hugo Ekitiké Did well with the few scraps he had to feed off. Denied his fourth goal in four games by an offside flag against Gakpo. 7

Substitutions: Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister 62) 8; Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike 79) 6; Joe Gomez (for Konate 79) 8; Wataru Endo (for Wirtz 89) 6.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

David Raya Nowhere near Szoboszlai’s free-kick from 30 yards out. Lucky not to be punished earlier with a terrible pass to Van Dijk. 6

Jurrien Timber Solid in his defensive duties and contained Gakpo throughout, but offered little in the final third and wasted several deliveries. 7

William Saliba Another injury headache for Arteta. Injured his ankle in the warm-up and, despite insisting he was fit to play, lasted four minutes. N/A

Gabriel His organisational and leadership skills were required when Saliba exited early. Helped Mosquera settle well and exuded authority at the back. 8

Riccardo Calafiori Had the better of his confrontation with Salah overall. Closest to opening the scoring in the first half but pushed back in the second. 8

Mikel Merino A surprise inclusion in place of Ødegaard, who was struggling with a shoulder injury. Pressed to good effect but faded. 7

Martín Zubimendi The former Liverpool transfer target encapsulated the game. A dominant, composed figure in the first half but swamped thereafter and conceded the decisive free-kick. 7

Declan Rice His set-piece delivery was not up to its usual standard but was always alert and broke up numerous Liverpool attacks. 8

Noni Madueke Had the beating of Kerkez at left back but took the safe option far too often. No end product. 6

Viktor Gyökeres Should Arsenal be worried by their new £64m signing? A lumbering, anonymous display and comprehensively controlled by Konaté. Booked for a foul on Van Dijk. 5

Gabriel Martinelli The winger’s industry could not be faulted but up against a makeshift full-back in Szoboszlai Arsenal would have expected, and needed, more. 6

Substitutions: Cristhian Mosquera (for Saliba 5) 8; Eberechi Eze (for Martinelli 70) 6; Odegaard (for Merino 70) 7; Dowman (for Madueke 89) 6.