Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool: White puts in best performance, Saka mature, Chambers steps up

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Arsenal put in a stubborn defensive performance to hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Gunners had to play around 65 minutes of the match with 10 men after Granit Xhaka was sent off for a tackle on Diogo Jota.

Arsenal, however, dug deep and they managed to hold firm to head back to the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week with the tie level.

Simon Collings was at Anfield to rate Mikel Arteta’s men...

Aaron Ramsdale 7

He didn’t have masses to do to be honest, but he was a crucial influence at the back. Distribution was shaky early on, however he recovered well.

Cedric N/A

Only lasted 10 minutes after injuring what looked like his hip in literally the first few seconds. Calum Chambers was forced to come on.

Ben White 9 | Star man

Arguably the centre-back’s best game in an Arsenal shirt to date. Was an utter rock at the back and barely put a foot wrong all game.

Gabriel 8

Like the rest of the defence, the Brazilian put in an epic shift to keep Liverpool at bay. Dominant in the air and kept Roberto Firmino quiet.

Kieran Tierney 8

Had an excellent game at left-back, even getting forward and causing problems when Arsenal had 10 men. Created arguably the best chance of the game for Saka.

Albert Sambi Lokonga 7

He had a nightmare at Anfield in November, but he battled really well here - especially after Xhaka was sent off.

Granit Xhaka 4

Sent off after just 25 minutes after bringing down Jota. It wasn’t a malicious tackle, but more clumsy from the midfielder.

Bukayo Saka 8

Basically had to spend the whole game defending, but he put in a really mature performance. Gave Arsenal an out-ball and caused Liverpool problems.

Alexandre Lacazette 7

Worked his socks off up top and chased so many stray balls and passes. Did his best to hold the ball up and take the pressure off Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Another forward who worked his socks off and looked dead on his feet towards the end. Boundless energy and heart from the youngster.

Eddie Nketiah 6

Only got to play around 25 minutes or so as he was sacrificed for Rob Holding when Xhaka was sent off. Looked lively before then.

Substitutions

Calum Chambers (Cedric 11’) 8

Hasn’t played a game since October, but you wouldn’t know it. Put in a great shift at right-back, battling away really well.

Rob Holding (Nketiah 28’) 8

Off the bench and added solidity to the defence by playing in the heart of a back-three. Seemed to relish the fight.

Nuno Tavares (Saka 80’) N/A

Subs not used: Leno, Mari, Patino, Salah-Edine, Hutchinson, Biereth

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