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Arsenal got ahead of Liverpool twice, but failed to hold onto their lead, as they drew 2-2 in their Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on October 27. Possession was similar for both sides, with the visitors holding more of the ball (55%). However, the game remained even across the board.
It was an early lead for the Gunners as Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with north London erupting with cheers from the home crowd. The exciting winger met a pinpoint pass over the top from Ben White, before beating Andrew Robertson and setting himself up to score a powerful shot from close range.
Parity was soon restored in another nine minutes, as an unrelenting Liverpool side kept Arsenal from holding the lead for long. A corner routine saw a brilliant curl from Trent Alexander-Arnold meet Virgil van Dijk in the center of the six-yard box. The captain met the ball with a perfect header into the back of the net to beat David Raya (18').
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On the cusp of half-time, the Gunners took the lead again, and this time, it was midfielder Mikel Merino who put them ahead. A set-piece routine from a deep cross saw the summer signing power his header beyond the Reds goalkeeper, as they went into the half-time break as winners (43').
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was forced into a more defensive shape as injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber saw the hosts work to keep their lead. Their tight structure worked, but not for long enough, as a defense-splitting pass from Alexander-Arnold put Darwin Nunez on the run into the area.
The striker laid the ball on for Mohamed Salah at the center and the Liverpool winger placed his effort into the back of the net in the 81st minute. There was late drama in injury time, with Arsenal scoring through Ethan Nwaneri. However, the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, and the Gunners ended the game with a draw.
Here are Arsenal's player ratings against Liverpool
David Raya - 5/10
The 29-year-old goalkeeper conceded two goals on the day, while making two saves. He made important recoveries and helped the Gunners maintain possession when playing out from the back.
Thomas Partey - 6/10
With the Gunners dealing with injuries and suspensions in defense, Partey had to deputize at the back. He did okay, winning four tackles and making three clearances to help the backline.
Ben White - 7/10
Playing as a centre-back, White made six important clearances, winning the two aerial duels he tussled in. He notably provided the assist for Saka's early goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 6/10
The 26-year-old defender had to come off in the 54th minute due to injury. During his time on the pitch, he won five duels and was fouled three times, causing Liverpool problems.
Jurrien Timber - 5/10
Like Gabriel, Timber also went off injured, spending 76 minutes on the pitch. Apart from making four clearances, he did not win a tackle, and he lost three duels out of five.
Declan Rice - 7/10
The 25-year-old midfielder was an important aspect of Arsenal's play, as he created two chances, picking up an assist for his role in Merino's goal. He also won three duels and made nine defensive actions.
Mikel Merino - 7/10
The 28-year-old summer signing picked up his first goal for the Gunners with a power header into the back of the net. He was busy against Liverpool in midfield, winning seven duels, but losing ten.
Bukayo Saka - 8/10
The 23-year-old winger caused problems for Liverpool, picking up the first goal of the game and making two successful dribbles. He was also instrumental in the midfield battle, winning seven duels.
Leandro Trossard - 5.5/10
Aside from winning four duels, Trossard struggled to offer much else to the Gunners. He made just 20 accurate passes and failed to create a chance.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10
The 23-year-old Brazilian did well in duels, winning four. He also troubled Liverpool, making two successful dribbles and creating a chance.
Kai Havertz - 5/10
The striker offered little in the final third, failing to get any of his two shots on target. He also struggled with his dribbling, failing to complete any. However, he created two chances for Arsenal.
Substitutes
Jakub Kiwior - 6/10
He completed nine passes, with just one going astray. The centre-back was also important in defense, making five clearances.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 5/10
The 18-year-old tried to bring life into the game, getting the ball into final third during the 14 minutes he spent on the pitch. He won a tackle and a duel respectively.
Ethan Nwaneri - 5/10
He spent five minutes on the pitch, scoring Arsenal's late goal that was canceled.
Gabriel Jesus - 5/10
He looked to impact the game for Arsenal with two shots at goal in the five minutes he was on the pitch.
