Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal: Player Ratings

Petr Cech – 6

The Arsenal stopper could have done better with the first and the third goal. In the first, he could have parried the ball towards his left away from the attackers, where as in the third, the ball hit his stretched arm, meaning he could have kept it out. Other than that, he was his usual self, being solid between the sticks. But he seemed less commanding. 

Hector Bellerin – 6

The youngster was pinned back in the first half but got forward like he did against Bayern Munich to produce Giroud’s second. However, the young Spaniard could not keep up with Joe Allen late in the game and allowed him to go past and score. 

Per Mertesacker – 6

The German was rarely impressive during the first 75 minutes of the game. But with his experience, he stood out tall in the rain and snow and demolished all the attacks Liverpool had up their sleeves. He seemed during the start of the game but settled down once Arsenal equalised. 

Laurent Koscielny – 7

The French defender was very good in dealing with through balls played to him by the Liverpool players. He also started the game on the back foot. But recovered well to produce a fine performance. He also dealt well with Benteke in the latter stages of the game.

Nacho Monreal – 7

The fullback was solid in defence like he has been throughout the season. Even though Ibe was threatening, the Spaniard held his own and never let any real cross go in from the right wing. He also got into the attacking areas and provided width to the Arsenal attacks.

Mathieu Flamini – 6

He did a decent job of shielding the back four but he had his occasional wobbles. He got overrun at times as the opponents bombed forward on the counter. He stepped out from midfield to attack on multiple occasions but his decision making was not precise. He was seen giving too much room to Firmino and company which led to the first goal.

Aaron Ramsey – 8

The Welshman was very good offensively getting a goal and an assist to Giroud’s first goal. But on many occasions, he gave up his defensive commitments to go forward, leaving in opportunities for the Liverpool players to take advantage of. He did show plenty of energy in midfield.

Mesut Ozil – 6

The German may not have had any assists in the three goals for his side, but he was very well positioned to create passes for his teammates leading to the goals. He defended, which was unlike Ozil. He was rested in the FA Cup, and at times ran back 50 yards to stop a Liverpool from playing a pass.

Joel Campbell – 8

The midfielder has made this position his own. He was trusted by Wenger to start in a big game in the absence of Alexis, and he delivered yet again. The Costa Rican looked confident and played a beautifully waited pass to Aaron Ramsey for Arsenal’s opener.

Theo Walcott – 7

He was not very impressive in the first half but got on well in the second. The Arsenal man ran at defenders with ease and created opportunities for his side. He will be hoping his run of form can continue and that he does not get injured now. He was lively in patches but was possibly outshone by Giroud’s goals. 

Olivier Giroud – 8

The French striker went missing for parts of the game. But he got on the scoresheet twice to first bring Arsenal level at 2-2 and then give them a 3-2 lead in the second half. The Frenchman put in a fine performance, keeping the ball and passing it to his teammates in better positions. The second goal on the turn was superb and we have not seen much of that from the Arsenal striker. 

Substitutes

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

The England international came on in place of Joel Campbell and was not seen much on the ball. He got dispossessed whenever he ran with the ball.

Mikel Arteta – 5

The Spaniard returned from a muscle injury in the FA Cup and was brought on to give cover to the 3-2 lead. But could not do much to prevent Joe Allen from scoring.

Kieran Gibbs – 6

Gibbs was brought on in place of Walcott to protect the lead but did not prove to be a good decision.