Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool reflect a frustrating night at Emirates Stadium, where Mikel Arteta’s side were forced to settle for a goalless draw that stopped them from extending their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Despite controlling long periods of the match, the Gunners were unable to convert their dominance into goals against a disciplined Liverpool side.
The Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool come after a game in which the hosts missed the chance to capitalise on dropped points from Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier in the week.
Instead, their advantage at the summit remained six points following a subdued but hard-fought encounter.
Team selection and early Arsenal control
In naming his side, Arteta made two changes from the team that edged Bournemouth 3-2 at the weekend. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard returned to the starting XI, with Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke moving to the bench.
The selection was designed to add control and creativity, particularly in wide areas.
The Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool are shaped heavily by a strong opening spell from the home side. Arsenal started on the front foot, enjoying early possession and pressing high.
Saka linked up well with Jurrien Timber down the right, repeatedly stretching Liverpool’s defence.
The clearest opening arrived when Saka beat Milos Kerkez and drove into the penalty area before cutting the ball back across goal.
However, no Arsenal player arrived in time to finish the move, summing up a theme that would continue throughout the evening.
Liverpool threat and moment of danger
As the first half progressed, Liverpool gradually grew into the contest. Their most dangerous moment came in unusual fashion just before the half-hour mark.
Conor Bradley attempted a through ball towards Jeremie Frimpong, but William Saliba intervened and tried to roll the ball back to David Raya.
Most times a GK has kept a clean sheet in a PL game without having to make a save since Raya joined Arsenal in 2023/24:
◉ 12 – David Raya
◎ 4 – Alisson
◎ 3 – Ederson
◎ 3 – Dean Henderson
◎ 3 – Jose Sa
A strong defence in front of him. 🧱@bet365 | 18+ GambleAware #Ad pic.twitter.com/a7PEBBXqcQ— Squawka (@Squawka) January 8, 2026
Unaware that Raya had rushed off his line, Saliba’s pass caused panic. The goalkeeper reacted quickly to clear the danger, but the ball fell back to Bradley, whose audacious lob struck the crossbar.
It was a warning sign during an otherwise controlled period for Arsenal.
The Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool take note of how the hosts responded. Arsenal regained composure and continued to build promising attacks, though clear-cut chances remained limited.
Missed opportunities before the break
Arsenal’s best effort of the first half arrived through Declan Rice. The midfielder improvised from the edge of the area, striking through traffic, but Alisson reacted sharply to push the ball away.
While Arsenal looked tidy in possession, they lacked sharpness in the final third.
Liverpool defended compactly and limited space between the lines, making it difficult for Martin Ødegaard to dictate play.
As a result, Arsenal went into the break having enjoyed territory but without a breakthrough.
Second-half pattern and growing frustration
Liverpool emerged with more purpose after the interval, with Florian Wirtz beginning to find pockets of space and cause problems. However, Arsenal soon carved out the best opening of the second half.
Trossard made a clever run inside and attempted to slide the ball across the area towards Saka.
Martín Zubimendi, tracking back, got a vital touch to divert it out of play. It was another moment where Arsenal were inches away from unlocking the defence.
As the match wore on, Liverpool enjoyed longer spells of possession. Arsenal found it harder to impose themselves, and clear chances dried up for both sides. The tempo dropped, and the game became increasingly scrappy.
Late changes but no breakthrough
Arteta responded by making several substitutions in the final 25 minutes, replacing his entire frontline in an effort to inject energy. One of those changes almost paid dividends.
Zubimendi produced an excellent long pass for Timber, who controlled the ball well and laid it off to Madueke. The winger drove into the box and delivered a low cross, but once again there was no Arsenal shirt arriving to apply the finish.
In the closing stages, Arsenal pushed forward with greater urgency. Liverpool, however, remained organised and denied space, ensuring the contest ended scoreless.
The Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool reflect a night where effort was not lacking, but precision in the final third was missing.
Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) – 6.5/10
Involved in a nervous moment following a mix-up with Saliba, which nearly gifted Liverpool a goal. Recovered well to prevent further danger and had little else to do.
Jurrien Timber (RB) – 7.5/10
A standout performer. Offered consistent support going forward, linked effectively with Saka, and remained reliable defensively throughout.
William Saliba (CB) – 6.5/10
Almost caught out by a miscommunication with Raya but settled after that moment. Generally composed in defence.
Gabriel Magalhães (CB) – 6.5/10
Handled Liverpool’s attacking spells well and remained solid under pressure.
Piero Hincapié (LB) – 6.5/10
Provided balance on the left side, contributing both defensively and going forward before being forced off through injury.
Midfielders
Martin Ødegaard (CM) – 6/10
Found it difficult to influence proceedings as Liverpool restricted his space. Substituted late on.
Martín Zubimendi (CM) – 6.5/10
Unlucky to cut out a dangerous Trossard pass intended for Saka. Produced an excellent long ball late in the game to spark an attack.
Declan Rice (CM) – 6/10
Tested Alisson with a first-half effort but was otherwise kept quiet by Liverpool’s midfield.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10
Bright early on and created Arsenal’s best chance with a driving run and low cross. Influence faded in the second half before being replaced.
Viktor Gyökeres (ST) – 3/10
Struggled to get involved and offered little threat. Substituted shortly after the hour.
Leandro Trossard (LW) – 7/10
Lively on the left flank, delivering several dangerous balls into the area. Came close to creating a goal with a clever run inside.
Substitutes
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6/10
Gabriel Jesus – 5/10
Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
Noni Madueke – 6.5/10
Eberechi Eze – 5/10
The Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool underline a controlled but ultimately frustrating performance, as the Gunners failed to make their pressure count on a night when an opportunity to stretch their title lead slipped away.
