Liverpool

Liverpool player ratings vs Arsenal: All hail Roberto Firmino!

Neil Jones
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Firmino-Liverpool
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The Brazilian struck late as Jurgen Klopp's side dealt the Gunners' Premier League title hopes a significant blow at Anfield

Liverpool dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's Premier League title hopes as they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at a raucous Anfield.

Substitute Roberto Firmino's 87th-minute header ensured Jurgen Klopp's side took home a share of the spoils as they recovered superbly after a dreadful start to the game.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had the Gunners 2-0 up inside half an hour, but Mohamed Salah's close-range finish gave the Reds hope before half-time.

Salah fired a penalty wide after the break as Liverpool dominated, but just when it looked like time would run out on Klopp's men, Trent Alexander-Arnold stood up a terrific cross which Firmino headed home at the back post to send the Kop into raptures and leave Arsenal facing a nervy run-in as Manchester City close the gap at the top of the table.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence

    Alisson Becker (7/10):

    Helpless as his defence crumbled early on. Played some lovely passes out to Salah and his handling was spot on.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

    Had a tough first half hour but a brilliant second half, capped by the assist for Firmino's leveller.

    Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

    Up against it early, but rose to the challenge at 2-0. Crunching tackle on Xhaka stood out. How did he not win the game in stoppage time?!

    Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

    Dreadful for the first two goals, and looks a shadow of his former self at times. Much better second half.

    Andy Robertson (6/10):

    Not close enough, often enough, to Saka in the first half. Took an elbow from an assistant referee which needs to be looked at. Good second half including a big intervention to deny Saka.

  2. Midfield

    Fabinho (7/10):

    Took half an hour to wake up, but was good when he did, helping Liverpool pin Arsenal back and picking up loads of second balls. More of this needed.

    Jordan Henderson (7/10):

    Started terribly but got better, and had a hand in the Salah goal. Showed character when he might have crumbled.

    Curtis Jones (5/10):

    Did well for Salah's goal, but took too many touches and didn't show enough confidence at times. Rightly replaced as Liverpool chased the game.

  4. Attack

    Mohamed Salah (7/10):

    Dangerous from the off and got Liverpool back into the game before half time. But then squandered another penalty and might have done better with a couple of other chances. Played well generally.

    Cody Gakpo (7/10):

    Played with confidence and fight, and looks like he'll have a big role to play going forward.

    Diogo Jota (6/10):

    Helped create Salah's goal and won the penalty. Not bad considering he's still nowhere near his sharpest.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Thiago Alcantara (7/10):

    A welcome, and lively, return from injury.

    Darwin Nunez (5/10):

    Missed a huge chance to make it 2-2.

    Roberto Firmino (8/10):

    The hero with the equaliser, and got stuck right in when he came on. The Kop loves him, and no wonder.

    Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

    Saw his side start poorly again, but they came alive as it went on. Subs were the right ones and helped secure the result.