Zubimendi error costly, and star's efforts go unanswered - Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Declan Rice of Arsenal clashes with Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal found themselves on the wrong end of the result at Anfield despite their hard work to try and claim something at the home of the champions. It was a match that saw Mikel Arteta go conservative with his line-up and he was arguably punished.

Bad news hit Arsenal early inside the opening minutes as William Saliba went down with an ankle injury. Cristhian Mosquera had to come on in his place to help and the Gunners would have been pleased with their overall performance in the first half.

Liverpool would see a goal ruled out in the second half after Cody Gakpo was caught offside. Arsenal's chances were few and far between during the second period as they threatened around the box but failed to create something meaningful.

That lack of creation would be punished by a wonder strike from Dominik Szoboszlai who slammed a 32-yard free-kick beyond David Raya.

David Raya – Bad mistake in the first half, giving the ball away to Virgil van Dijk, but thankfully, the chance went away. Great long pass immediately after though to Noni Madueke to set up a chance. Helpless from the free-kick. 6

Jurrien Timber – Thought he deserved a penalty in the first half, but just fell over Alexis Mac Allister's leg. Had a great game overall, his technical ability on the right, beating players was such an asset, and his defensive work rate was invaluable against Cody Gakpo, with a particularly great challenge to block a cross in the 72nd minute. 8

William Saliba – Removed inside the opening five minutes of the game with what looked like a left foot injury. n/a

Gabriel Magalhaes – Taking the captain's armband, he had to shoulder the responsibility of being the only over-25 in the back four, with the average age coming down even further after Saliba went off. 7

Riccardo Calafiori – As usual, marauding into midfield so often from the left, had a couple of chances in the first half too. A volley deflected wide and a header from the resulting corner.

He performed a great recovery challenge on Mohamed Salah in the box when it looked certain he'd have the chance to score. Then he performed another one-on-one stop on the winger seconds later. 8

Martin Zubimendi – Found Madueke with a great curling ball round the corner to set up a chance in the first half. Broke up play well in the middle in the park but lacked the turnover frequency from Old Trafford however he gave away the free-kick that proved costly as it provided the chance for Szoboszlai to score. 6

Declan Rice – Great interception early in the game to break up a Liverpool chance following a loose ball by Merino. However, his first-half set-pieces lacked the same zip, and the free-kick that flew over the bar left little to be desired.

Excellent block to prevent a certain Salah piledriver at goal in the second half, free on the edge of the box. 8

Mikel Merino – Loose with the ball in his own half and had to be bailed out by Declan Rice. Was strong in the midfield as Mikel Arteta clearly wanted presence in the middle third but Viktor Gyokeres suffered as a result. 7

Noni Madueke – Shot from the edge of the box on the volley and a great drive into the box to win a corner. He had the beating of Milos Kerkez so often, found by Raya with a long ball that he could unleash the burners and his great speed to create a chance. 7

Gabriel Martinelli – Great chance to run at the Liverpool back line and release Viktor Gyokeres but the Brazilian held onto the ball and eventually ran down a blind alley. He defended really well again and that rescued him from a slightly lower score. 6

Viktor Gyokeres – Only had one moment in the first half, setting up a chance for Jurrien Timber, much to do with the lack of a natural ten from the start. Ran tirelessly but found himself outmuscled often by Ibrahima Konate. 6

Substitutes:

Cristhian Mosquera – Replacing William Saliba is no easy task, and after a keen entrance, the Spaniard settled. The first mistake came in the second half with a loose ball, which set up a chance for Salah. 7

Martin Odegaard – Replacing Mikel Merino, the captain brought the pressing energy back into the game. 6

Eberechi Eze – Replacing Gabriel Martinelli, he was immediately into the action and found space off the left, with a nice pass inside for Odegaard on the edge of the box. Showed some great skill and positive signs for the future. 7

Max Dowman – Coming on late to replace Madueke. n/a