Arsenal vs Liverpool Player Ratings: Gyökeres Invisible, Szoboszlai BRILLIANT in EMIRATES Stalemate | OneFootball

Arsenal arrived at the Emirates knowing victory would have pushed them another step closer to domestic supremacy. Liverpool came with nothing to lose in the title sense but plenty to prove in credibility and coherence under Arne Slot.

What followed was a goalless draw that felt more like a tactical case study than a spectacle, one that left the home crowd irritated and the visitors quietly encouraged.

Arsenal dominated territory early, pressing with intent and pinning Liverpool back for the opening quarter-hour. Liverpool, however, refused to unravel. They absorbed pressure, stayed compact, and slowly wrestled control of midfield zones.

By halftime, the most notable moment was not an Arsenal chance but Conor Bradley rattling the crossbar after a defensive misunderstanding between David Raya and William Saliba.

The second half told an even starker story. Arsenal, chasing authority, produced almost nothing. Liverpool, missing the injured Hugo Ekitike, lacked incision but never lost shape. It finished 0–0, and while the scoreline suggested balance, the frustration levels were heavily skewed north London’s way.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: Declan Rice of Arsenal battles for possession with Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal Player Ratings

David Raya – 6.5

Nearly authored a calamity with Saliba early on, charging out when calm communication would have sufficed. Otherwise a spectator. Liverpool rarely asked him a serious question, which in itself was telling.

Jurrien Timber – 6.5

Quietly dependable. He defended his zone without fuss and supported attacks when possible, though his influence waned as Arsenal’s rhythm drained away.

William Saliba – 7

Calm under pressure and composed in possession. The mix-up with Raya aside, he was Arsenal’s most secure defender, particularly in aerial duels.

Gabriel – 6.5

Solid but unspectacular. Rarely threatened by Liverpool’s blunt front line but didn’t dominate proceedings either.

Piero Hincapié – 6

Comfortable before injury curtailed his night. Rarely troubled, which perhaps summed up the match more than any single incident.

Martin Zubimendi – 5.5

Functional but frustrating. Took the wrong option when a simple dummy could have freed Saka, and his contribution in build-up lacked tempo.

Declan Rice – 6.5

Covered ground relentlessly, broke up play, but this was more graft than grandeur. Liverpool’s midfield denied him the platform to dictate.

Martin Ødegaard – 6

Muted. Found little space between Liverpool’s lines and struggled to impose his usual creative authority. A rare quiet night for the captain.

Bukayo Saka – 6

Bright early, dangerous in isolation, but faded badly. Once Liverpool doubled up, his influence diminished, and he was withdrawn with Arsenal chasing a spark.

Leandro Trossard – 5.5

Lively in flashes, unlucky with deflections, but ultimately peripheral. The penalty appeals were hopeful rather than convincing.

Viktor Gyökeres – 4

A night to forget. Anonymous, disconnected, and easily handled. Arsenal looked like they were playing with ten men for long stretches, and that is a damning indictment of a striker signed to elevate them on nights like this.

Substitutes

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4.5

Thrown into a demanding situation and struggled. Caught out by pace and careless in possession.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6.5

Added some urgency and directness but arrived too late to change the narrative.

Gabriel Jesus – 6

Worked channels but never threatened the goal.

Eberechi Eze – 5

Failed to find space or influence the tempo.

Noni Madueke – 6.5

At least tried to stretch Liverpool late on, but the impact was minimal.

Manager—Mikel Arteta—6

He set his side up aggressively but failed to adjust when Liverpool neutralized Arsenal’s strengths. Control without penetration is becoming an uncomfortable theme.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker – 7.5

Barely troubled, but alert when required. A commanding presence who radiated calm behind a disciplined back line.

Conor Bradley – 7.5

Outstanding energy and enterprise. Inches away from a stunning opener when he struck the bar, and a constant outlet until injury forced his withdrawal.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7

A welcome return to form. Strong, assertive, and far less error-prone than earlier in the season.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

Rolled back the clock. Dominant in duels and completely subdued Gyökeres. A captain’s performance built on authority rather than theatrics.

Milos Kerkez – 6.5

Had early problems with Saka but grew into the contest. More measured, more composed, and finished the stronger of the two.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.5

Showed flashes of last season’s dynamism. Stood up well physically and didn’t shy away from the midfield battle.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Key to Liverpool’s midfield equilibrium. Intelligent positioning and sharp distribution allowed the Reds to escape Arsenal’s early press.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8

Liverpool’s standout midfielder. Covered ground, drove transitions, and provided leadership. His influence was subtle but decisive in swinging midfield control.

Jeremie Frimpong – 7.5

Chaotic but dangerous. His pace unsettled Arsenal, though his final ball often betrayed him. Still, he gave the home side something to worry about.

Cody Gakpo – 5.5

Worked hard but offered little threat. Drifted wide and rarely troubled Raya.

Florian Wirtz – 7

Flashes of quality justified the fee, but consistency remains elusive. Intelligent movement, neat touches, and one or two moments of genuine promise.

Substitutes

Joe Gomez – N/A

Late replacement following Bradley’s injury.

Manager – Arne Slot – 8

A masterclass in containment. Set Liverpool up with discipline and clarity, frustrating the league leaders and arguably deserving more had they possessed a focal point up top.

Man of the Match: Dominik Szoboszlai

Not the flashiest choice, but the most influential. Szoboszlai’s work rate, positional intelligence, and ability to drive Liverpool up the pitch under pressure were central to nullifying Arsenal’s midfield advantage. In a game decided by control rather than creativity, he was the one who consistently tipped the balance.

Conclusion: A Point That Asks Questions

Arsenal remains comfortably ahead in the title race, but this felt like a missed opportunity. Against a Liverpool side without their main striker and with little attacking bite, they failed to capitalize.

Liverpool, meanwhile, leave encouraged. Structure, discipline, and midfield control were all present; only a cutting edge was missing.

For Arsenal, the concern is sharper: dominance without danger. For Liverpool, this was proof that the foundations under Slot are firm—even if the ceiling remains a work in progress.