Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice puts in machine-like performance but makeshift defender looks uncomfortable

11 months ago 78

ARSENAL managed everything but score – and were made to pay for their wastefulness.

The Gunners racked up a staggering 18 attempts against Liverpool in their blockbuster FA Cup third-round clash at the Emirates.

Wasteful Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup[/caption]

But after seeing so many chances go begging, Jakub Kiwior was the unlucky man who inadvertently headed a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross into his own net.

And as Arsenal tried to find an equaliser deep into injury time, Luis Diaz sealed Liverpool’s place in round four with an emphatic finish.

Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Mikel Arteta’s men at the Emirates…

AARON RAMSDALE – 8

Back in goal and providing with ball at feet inside the first three minutes. Unlucky not to have an assist to his name.

Did not have to make a save until mid-way through the second half, then made an amazing stop to deny Diaz at his near post.

Nothing he could do about Kiwior’s calamity and a Diaz breakaway screamer.

JAKUB KIWIOR – 5

Looks uncomfortable at left-back in an Arsenal shirt, not that Arteta had much choice.

Struggled to contain Diaz after the break, then scored an own goal. A poor showing.

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GABRIEL – 7

Another fine display at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and almost got on the end of a Havertz cross to open the scoring.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 7

A few iffy passes out from the back but recovered well.

Was otherwise a rock, in particular a superb tackle on Nunez in the box. His yellow card was a harsh one.

BEN WHITE – 8

Pin-point long throws high up the pitch giving team-mates great platform to attack and had a thump of his own that forced a good save from Alisson.

Long ball over the top in the second half almost teed up Saka. Finally looks fully fit and back to his best.

Aaron Ramsdale could have had an assist thanks to his brilliant kicking[/caption]

Jakub Kiwior headed into his own net to put Liverpool in front[/caption]

William Saliba made a superb tackle on Darwin Nunez[/caption]

DECLAN RICE – 9

Does this guy ever have an off night?

Another machine-like performance, covering every blade of grass and mopped up any mess. Did not put a foot wrong.

JORGINHO – 7

Marshalled the midfield well and kept them ticking over. Made way for Nketiah with ten minutes remaining.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7

Seriously unlucky not to open the scoring with his effort smacking the bar and was at his creative and energetic best. Drove the team forward and kept them pushing.

Unfortunately gave away the free-kick that led to Liverpool’s late goal.

Reiss Nelson went round Alisson but couldn’t find the finish[/caption]

Martin Odegaard crashed an effort against the crossbar[/caption]

BUKAYO SAKA – 7

Like at Anfield, was getting the better of Gomez down the right with darting runs outside and inside.

But was later guilty of missing a glaring volley from a brilliant set-piece move.

REISS NELSON – 7

Had chance to nick the lead from a Ramsdale goal kick, rounding Alisson but hitting the side-netting. Looked sharp on and off the ball in the first half.

Some neat touches after the break and unlucky to be brought off on the hour mark.

KAI HAVERTZ – 8

Did everything but score. Fluffed chances at the back post from two Saka corners and an Odegaard reverse pass but was involved heavily in all of Arsenal’s big moments.

Continued to be influential after the break with a cute dinked cross that should have been stuck away by Saka.