BUKAYO SAKA was back to his best as Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The Gunners’ ace was an injury doubt before the game, but was selected by Mikel Arteta.
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And he more than justified that choice after slamming in the opener after ten minutes.
However, Liverpool fought their way back into the game to equalise through Virgil van Dijk at a corner, before Arsenal then retook the lead with a Mikel Merino header at a set play.
Arsenal were dealt another injury headache as both Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber had to be taken off in the second half, before Mohamed Salah netted a second equaliser.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players in the Sunday afternoon clash.
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.
BEN WHITE – 7
He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.
GABRIEL – 7
Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.
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THOMAS PARTEY – 8
Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.
MIKEL MERINO – 8
A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season.
And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.
DECLAN RICE – 8
Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.
BUKAYO SAKA – 9
Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.
Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.
Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.
SUBS:
JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6
Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6
Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.
