Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: Cristhian Mosquera steps up but Gabriel Martinelli struggles | OneFootball

William Saliba’s injury is a big blow but the summer signing stepped up

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as they were beaten by Liverpool at Anfield.

The loss is Arsenal’s first of the season and means they now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by three points.

Simon Collings was at Anfield to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Guilty of the odd loose pass out from the back, but otherwise his distribution was good. Beaten by a stunning free-kick.

Jurrien Timber 8

Did well up against his Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo. Won the physical battle and was a threat when getting forward.

William Saliba N/A

Off after just a matter of minutes after picking up an injury when challenging for a header. Arsenal’s bad luck with injuries strikes again.

Gabriel 7

A strong performance from the Brazilian, who took the armband in Martin Odegaard’s absence. An utter rock at the back.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Continued his good form this season by keeping Mohamed Salah quiet for much of the game. Restrained himself from overlapping as much as he usually does.

Mikel Merino 7

Brought into the midfield, with Odegaard only fit enough for the bench. Tirelessly defensively and led the Arsenal press.

Martin Zubimendi 7

Sat deep with Rice and held up way in what was, at times, a physical game. Influence on this side is growing each week.

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

A classic ‘Declan Rice performance’ from the midfielder. Felt like he was everywhere and made a number of vital blocks and interceptions.

Noni Madueke 7

Was bright from the off and had a great battle with Milos Kerkez. The most dangerous of Arsenal’s front-three.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Did not get much change out of Liverpool’s centre-backs. Created a good chance for Timber in the first half, but was otherwise quiet.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

A frustrating afternoon for the Brazilian. Did not cause Dominik Szoboszlai enough problems, but did work hard defensively.

Substitutions

Cristhian Mosquera (Saliba 5’) 8

Thrown into a huge game after five minutes and rose to the occasion. Impressive given he’s only 21.

Eberechi Eze (Martinelli 70’) 6

On for his Arsenal debut and was lively. Looks primed to start against Nottingham Forest.

Martin Odegaard (Merino 70’) 6

Not fit enough to start due to a shoulder injury. Almost created a chance for Gyokores with a delightful through-ball.

Max Dowman (Madueke 89’) N/A

Subs not used: Kepa, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Trossard, Harriman-Annous.