Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: Declan Rice produces heroic display but Gabriel Martinelli struggles

A familiar face stepped up for the Gunners on the biggest stage
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal ensured they will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day by earning a draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

The Gunners made a bright start to the match and took the lead in the fourth minute through Gabriel.

Liverpool, however, hit back around the half-hour mark as Mohamed Salah got on the end of a great pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Both sides had chances to win the game, but it finished 1-1 and Arsenal will be top of the League on Christmas Day for the second season running.

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

David Raya 7

Beaten by a powerful strike from Salah. Put in a solid performance, otherwise, and dealt well with balls into the box. Distribution was on point.

Ben White 7

Form has dipped in recent weeks but he was much better this evening. Pressed Luis Diaz high and stop anything come down Liverpool's left.

William Saliba 8

Alongside Gabriel, the Frenchman was one of Arsenal's better players. Marshalled Salah so well in the final 30 minutes when he went central.

Gabriel 8

Opened the scoring by heading home from a free-kick early on. Had a great game, making plenty of big blocks.

Gabriel gave the Gunners an early lead at Anfield
REUTERS

Oleksandr Zinchenko 5

Beaten too easily for Liverpool's goal as Salah skipped past him. Guilty of losing possession too close to his own goal at times.

Martin Odegaard 7

Set-up Gabriel's goal with a free-kick into the box. Tried to get on the ball and make things happen, but not as effective as usual. Survived a penalty scare for handball.

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

Continues to deliver in the big games. Covered so much ground this evening, including some vital interceptions when Liverpool got in behind. A heroic performance.

Kai Havertz 6

Arsenal went long a lot more than usual and the German acted as their outlet. Put in a shift off the ball and battled well.

Bukayo Saka 6

Had a great chance before the break and should have done better. Had some nice runs, but just lacked the final ball.

Gabriel Jesus 7

Made a really bright start and had three good efforts in the first 15 minutes. Battled well up top and tried to give Arsenal an outlet.

Struggled to make an impact. Had plenty of the ball, but wasted it. Has been off his best for a while now.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 68') 5

Didn't have long to make an impact, but given Martinelli's form could start next week.

Eddie Nketiah (Jesus 77') N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Cedric, Kiwior, Elneny, Jorginho, Smith Rowe, Nelson

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