Player Ratings: Szoboszlai stunner seals Liverpool win over Arsenal | OneFootball

Liverpool 1 – 0 Arsenal – PL Player Ratings

The Premier League’s first true super Sunday clash saw Arsenal travel to Anfield, where Mikel Arteta hoped his £1bn men could overcome Arne Slot and his reigning Premier League champions. The stage was set for potentially a defining game that could shape the season for both.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The giant Brazilian stopper was in command from the opening minute as he looked to be decisive on anything which came into the box.

After the restart, the Reds keeper was again able to assert his dominance as his team took control of the game.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 10.0

The Hungarian captain was tasked with shackling Martinelli and did so with aplomb.

As the game resumed, the former RB Leipzig star was able to use his ability to drive forward more and more and his wonderful long-range free kick to open the scoring was a sight to behold.

Man of the match

Milos Kerkez – 8.0

The Hungarian international was quick and responsive to the threat on the flanks as he held his nerve against a dangerous-looking attack.

The former Bournemouth man was again solid and gave good defensive awareness to his centre-backs.

Ibrahima Konaté  – 8.0

The France international defender started the game as the anchor who challenged and battled away, with good results.

In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was again powerfully dominant before leaving the field with an injury.

Subbed – 79 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team were strong and commanding against a team designed to exploit aerial deficiencies.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was authoritative and organised his troops with unmatched supremacy.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner was given a return after injury and looked steady and controlled.

In the second half, the former Brighton man was again solid before leaving the field.

Subbed – 61 mins

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0

The Dutch midfielder was steady and able to screen, whilst recycling the ball intelligently.

After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was able to move the ball with more precision as the game opened up for the hosts.

Florian Wirtz – 7.0

The German international was a keen recipient of the ball in tight and tough conditions, as he looked to link the midfield to the attack.

After the break, the £116m summer signing was more production-heavy as he started to find his teammates with more freedom.

Subbed – 89 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch attacker was a decent outlet who worked back and gave a good performance of intelligence.

In the second half, the goal-scoring wide man was again willing to help his fullback whilst covering ground in the final third.

Hugo Ekitike – 7.0

The France attacker was willing to run the channels and gave his best effort against a rigid opposition.

In the second period, the former PSG player was an effective outlet who pushed back a deep block even further.

Subbed – 79 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was a willing runner and creator against a team regimented in their work.

In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was frustrated and at times overplayed his dribbling in a decent showing.

Substitutions;

Curtis Jones – 7.0 (on 61)

Came on to add energy and good pressing.

Federico Chiesa – 7.0 (on 79)

Came on to add a different attacking threat.

Joe Gomez – 8.0 (on 79)

Came on to

Waturu Endo – 7.0 (on 89)

Came on to add bite.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch head coach was keen to roll the dice on a side he wants to gel and excel.

The initial substitutions were smart and effective as he won the battle of the two coaches.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 1 Arsenal