Player ratings: Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool
If there were green shoots of recovery before the international break, this was much more like the Liverpool we’ve known in recent seasons. A completely dominant display from start to finish. Let’s see how the lads got on.
Alisson (7) – A spectator for large parts of the game, which was just as well, seeing as it appears he was starring in a porno immediately after the game. What a ‘tache he’s sporting! Good handling from one Cedric shot and distribution solid throughout.
TAA (9.5) – It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Trent on a personal level, having been left out of the England squad but yesterday is exactly how you should respond to a setback like that. He’s shown his class by wishing the England players well on social media when he could have sulked and then first display back he was excellent. Got his assist for Jota’s opener with a glorious cross and should have had more, if Mane had his finishing boots on. Was a constant outlet and threat throughout, causing Arsenal no end of problems. Reminded Southgate what he’s all about and his performance, as well as display of character, earns him this week’s McMOTM.
Phillips (7) – On paper, it looked like Nat and Kabak would be tested a lot more than they were as in truth, Arsenal didn’t lay a glove on us the whole match. Nat continues to be Nat, monster in the air, tons of heart and keeps it simple. Drew blood from Lacazette early doors and the Frenchman wasn’t much seen again after that. Nat found himself in nose bleed territory late on, after a cheeky foray forward found him in a good crossing position from the right. Safe to say he’d be better leaving that for Trent but another solid defensive display from Liverpool’s newest cult hero.
Kabak (7) – Similar to Nat, I sure Kabak expected a tougher game, given the attacking names on the Arsenal team sheet but he got through the game at a canter. Any nerves we saw from him in his first couple of games have gone and he and Nat seem to have developed a good understanding very quickly. Wins me over a little more with each passing performance and if he can maintain this form until the end of the season, I’d be happy for the club to make his signing permanent.
Robertson (7) – Had Pepe in his pocket for the hour he was on the pitch but his delivery was sporadic. Klopp did what Steve Clark should have done against the Faroe Islands and gave Robbo a much needed rest. They talk about players being in the ‘red zone’ when it comes to accumulative fatigue injuries and Robbo must have been hovering there for most of the season, he’s played so many minutes. Hopefully he’ll feel the benefit against Madrid and surely Tsimikas has to get a game at some point.
Fabinho (9) – Another excellent midfield display from Fabinho. The difference across the whole team when Fabinho plays in midfield is like night and day. We look so much more solid defensively and a much more potent attacking threat. He displayed his full repertoire yesterday, bossing the midfield physically, his positional player is nothing short of exceptional as he snuffs out countless attacks before they start and got himself an assist with a lovely, sweeping first time pass that released Salah for his goal.
Milner (7) – James Milner, a solid 7/10 pretty much every game. Busy and vocal throughout, should probably have scored first half after he dragged a brilliant cutback from Trent wide of the post. Showed his versatility by slotting in at LB once Robbo went off. Mr Reliable.
Thiago (7) – Looks a different player with Fabinho in the midfield and the formation we finished the game in, with Thiago and Fabinho sitting behind our front four, is one I’ve been calling for all season. Neat and tidy as ever which helped us dominate the midfield and a couple of niggly fouls as we’ve come to expect but one moment stood out for me where he showed his ridiculous technique. Nat Phillips overhit a pass forward and Thiago just nonchalantly stuck a leg out and deflected it perfectly into Trent’s path. Effortless class.
Salah (8.5) – Was a menace throughout as Arsenal struggled to contain him with Tierney but once he went off injured, Mo was running riot, especially second half. Took his goal brilliantly and could have had a couple more. He and Trent looked back to being on the same wavelength as well which is good to see.
Firmino (7) – Showed some lovely footwork throughout the game and flashed a shot narrowly wide first half. Unlucky not to get an assist after sending Salah clear with a lovely ball over the top. I’d like to see more of him playing slightly deeper with Jota leading the line.
Mane (7) – Couldn’t buy a goal at the moment as he squandered a number of opportunities, the most glaring being the header at the end after a brilliant set piece delivery from Trent. Could do with one going on for him to help his confidence but he’s not hiding and put in a lively display throughout.
Subs:
Jota (9) – I’m running out of superlatives for the guy. He’s got to be the shrewdest bit of transfer business done last summer, a very under the radar transfer who looks ready to set European football alight over the next few seasons. Scored three goals in two games for his country over the international break and picked up where he left off bagging himself a brace in just half an hour yesterday. We look a much more potent attacking threat when he’s on the pitch and I really don’t see how Klopp can leave him out going forward.
Wijnaldum (6) – After his usual goal for Holland, he managed a typically tamely struck effort on target for Liverpool. That will always puzzle me with Gini, I know he plays a different role but he never seems to have any belief or conviction in his shots for us and yet bangs them in for Holland. Anyway, get that contract sorted.
Williams (N/A) – Strange substitution I thought, hopefully Kabak didn’t pick up a knock.
Kloppwatch (10) – When a manager manages to rotate some of his stalwarts, still win 3-0 and totally dominate a top six rival at their ground, I don’t see how you can score the manager anything else. The Klopp out brigade seem to have gone quiet as well. Funny that. Let’s see that 4-2-3-1 more often though.
Summary
Is it safe to say our blip is officially over? Who’d have thought playing two CB’s in their natural positions and your DM in his would actually work!!
It’s funny how things change so quickly in football. Last week everybody was writing off our top four chances but we’re now just two points behind Chelsea, with a more favourable run in. That result yesterday will hurt them as well and they’ll now also be without the suspended Thiago Silva
Things looking a bit rosier in the LFC garden then and confidence must be much improved amongst the squad, heading into a very winnable game against a bang average Madrid team who are having their own injury problems. In my eyes, the season is far from over and the champions league win and top four finish is very much on. Walk on!!
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