AMR) Roberto Firmino – 7 (Ibe – 63′)
Not an easy place to make your first proper appearance, but Firmino showed serious promise. One wonderful cross with his left foot should have been buried by Benteke and it’s clear that he’s going to offer us so much when he’s just a bit sharper. Linked up with Benteke well, completed more dribbles than any player on the park – and should start next weekend.
AML) Coutinho – 7.5 (Moreno – 88′ )
Our brilliant Brazilian hit the bar from a Benteke pull-back early on, before forcing Petr Cech into a wonderful save which was tipped onto the post in a frantic first-half in which we really should have taken the lead. Also played Milner through on goal with a delightful through-ball. Tired in the second, and held the ball when he should have passed a few times, but with his ability, he can’t be blamed for that!
FC) Christian Benteke – 7
Has a Liverpool striker ever won more balls in the air than Benteke did this evening? He won 16 headers today, and during the first-half especially, Calum Chambers was getting bullied and embarrassed at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. He missed a sitter though from Firmino’s cross, and while Cech’s save was stunning, Benteke needs to putting those chances away. In terms of his ability to hold the ball up and provide an outlet in a difficult away fixture, few would have done a better job tonight. If he can consistently add goals to that kind of all-round show, he’ll prove to be worth every penny of the £32.5m.
Subs:
Jordon Ibe – 5
Very poor, sadly. We can forgive the ball not running for him, but he didn’t chase back when he lost it. Hopefully the disappointing cameo won’t affect his confidence too much.
Jordan Rossiter – 6
Harried and pressed, but it was a bizarre decision to take off Lucas for the young Englishman. Still, he didn’t let us down.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Comes on and guarantees a world-class run into the opposition area nowadays! Shame he couldn’t finish it with the goal of the season, but provided more cover than Coutinho would down the left. Will likely have to wait for the Europa League for a start due to Gomez’s form, but Moreno’s attitude has been outstanding having been dropped.
