Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal: Slot's Side Waste First-Half Dominance in Stalemate with Gunners

Yahoo

11-05-2025

Liverpool 2 – 2 Arsenal – Premier League Player Ratings
Following last week's loss at Stamford Bridge, Arne Slot recalled his first team assets, wanting to punish further visiting Mikel Arteta and his self-proclaimed best team in Europe.
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The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was steady and reliable in the first half as he watched his men take Arsenal apart.
The second half was a very different affair, however, he maintained his execution of great form and was more let down by the goals conceded.
Conor Bradley – 7.0
The Ireland international was energetic and dependable against the visitors, as he played more in the opposing half than his own.
After the intermission, the former academy graduate was at fault for allowing too much room for the Merino goal, as he gifted Trossard the room to cross.
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Subbed – 67 mins
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international was good and reliable after the Saka-induced horror show from earlier in the season.
After the halftime break, the popular fullback was involved in the attacking side of play and had a winning goal disallowed in stoppage time.
Ibrahima Konaté
– 7.0
The France international defender was strong and resilient in the first half, where not need much needed his brute force.
In the second half, the former RB Leipzig man was a little less dominant and maybe should have reacted better to the first goal conceded.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team was strong and confident as his teammates ripped through the Gunners in a thrilling first half.
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After the restart, the former Celtic man was very good and powered a header towards goal in stoppage time that nearly allowed a late winner.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The Hungarian captain was explosive and powerful in the first half, with a superb assist coming to double his team's lead.
After the break, the former Bundesliga man was again energetic and pushed to get the win for his title-winning teammates.
Man of the match
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The versatile midfielder was solid and well-positioned against a fairly rigid group, as he recycled the ball and was always a covering man.
After the intermission, the former Ajax prodigy was able to carry the ball a little more and nearly scored after a dazzling run.
Curtis Jones – 6.0
The under-21 European Cup winner was the controlling entity and showed good touches and composure in a good first-half showing.
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In the second 45 minutes, the former academy skipper was less effective before leaving the field.
Subbed – 66 mins
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
The Dutch attacker was able to open the scoring with a fine header early on, as he looked to contribute to a first half of Anfield domination.
In the second half, the former PSV man was more limited as his team started to lose the initiative.
Subbed – 66 mins
Luis Diaz – 7.0
The Colombian forward was a constant threat in the first half and scored a well-taken goal to double his team's lead.
In the second half, the former Porto man was perhaps less impactful as he moved positionally to find space.
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Subbed – 79 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King was electric in the first half and showed his dazzling array of touches to get his side into a 2-0 lead.
After the break, the record-breaking scorer was less brilliant as he was crowded out by multiple markers.
Substitutions;
Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 66)
Came on to add another dimension.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5.0 (on 66)
Came on to a tricky Anfield reception.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0 (on 66)
Came on to add control.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0 (on 69)
Came on to add control and tenacity.
Diogo Jota – 4.0 (on 79)
Came on.
Harvey Elliott – 4.0 (on 83)
Came on.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 7.0
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The Dutch manager picked a team that was built to hurt a team in despair.
The substitutions were less impactful as the game state altered after the break.
Steven Smith's Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 1 Arsenal