Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool as Havertz shines but Zinchenko disappoints

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Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in their final pre-season game in the United States.

Mikel Arteta’s men started brilliantly and looked the more threatening side. However, Liverpool grew into the game and took the lead through Mohamed Salah.

The Merseysiders gained even more confidence after the goal and controlled the game for a fair bit. Their persistence was rewarded as Fabio Carvalho doubled their lead.

Arsenal pulled one back through Kai Havertz before half-time, and even though the Gunners completely dominated the game in the second half, they couldn’t overturn the deficit.

Arsenal player ratings vs Liverpool

Starting XI

Karl Hein: 6/10

Hein had no chance with either goal, but there were moments in the game where he could’ve shown a bit more composure when he was pressed.

Ben White: 6/10

Definitely not his best game, but White wasn’t bad either. He didn’t attack as much as he usually does in the first half, but that changed as soon as Fabio Vieira came on at the break.

Jakub Kiwior: 6.5/10

Kiwior started on the right side of central defence against Liverpool, and he did what he had to do. The Pole looks a lot more comfortable in the heart of the defence.

Gabriel Magalhaes: 6/10

Gabriel too had a decent game, but he will be frustrated with his role in Liverpool’s opening goal. He got a bit too close to Diogo Jota and that didn’t help.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: 4.5/10

Same old story with Zinchenko. The Ukraine international was outstanding on the ball and picked out a few fantastic passes. However, he was all over the place defensively and was at fault for both goals. That being said, he was much better in the second half.

Thomas Partey: 6/10

Partey had a few sloppy moments in the first half, which irked Mikel Arteta on the touchline. The Ghanaian got better as the game progressed.

Kai Havertz: 8.5/10

Havertz started the game in midfield, and he was very, very good. He didn’t get on the ball too often in the first half, but he worked tirelessly off possession and made a few important defensive contributions. The goal just before half-time was the icing on the cake.

Martin Odegaard: 8/10

Not a vintage display from the skipper, but he was still one of the best players on the pitch. Always showed a willingness to get on the ball and make something happen. Odegaard played a key part in Havertz’s goal as well.

Gabriel Martinelli: 6/10

The Brazilian had a bright start to the game and threatened Liverpool on multiple occasions in the first half. He needs to start using his left foot more when he has the chance to shoot.

Reiss Nelson: 6/10

Nelson started on the right wing and showed some good skills. He has looked hungry throughout pre-season but is still a long way off from being a regular.

Gabriel Jesus: 7.5/10

Jesus was one of Arsenal’s better players in the first half. His work rate was incredible as usual, and he almost caught Caoimhin Kelleher in Liverpool’s goal on two occasions. His finishing is still a concern, though.

Substitutes

Fabio Vieira: 7/10

Vieira came on at half-time and was really active. The Portuguese midfielder has had a very good pre-season, and he came very close to scoring too. A solid display from him.

Leandro Trossard: 6/10

Trossard was much better against Liverpool than he was when Arsenal faced Bournemouth. However, we know he is capable of producing a lot more.

Ethan Nwaneri: 6/10

Nwaneri replaced Havertz for the last 20 minutes of the game and he worked hard. He produced a few good touches but couldn’t make a huge impact in the final third.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6.5/10

Lewis-Skelly played really well in that inverted left-back role – he has done it all pre-season. We won’t be surprised at all if he replaces Zinchenko in the first-team in the next 12 months.

Jorginho: 6/10

Replaced Partey for the final 12 minutes of the game and did a decent job.

Eddie Nketiah: 6/10

Nketiah made a few good runs and got on the ball on multiple occasions. It was a decent cameo from the Englishman, who may have played his last game for Arsenal.

Josh Nichols: 5/10

Came on for the last few minutes of the game and didn’t have much to do.

Ayden Heaven: 5/10

Came on for the last few minutes of the game and didn’t have much to do.