LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool players thanking supporters after the 3-4 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

So, Gibbons got fed up with the abuse and Robbo decided he wanted someone vanilla to do the ratings this season who wouldn’t cause murder. So they asked me.

Well, erm, how do even start after a game like that? The Reds looking simultaneously irresistible and nerve shreddingly porous.

Went into this one thinking I’d try and take the L’Equipe approach and not put a 10 in all season, or even a 9, but I never bargained on Jürgen’s greedy, mad, red bastards.

Simon Mignolet: 8

Not so sure about doing mad stepovers in his own area, but a good performance from the Belgian. Can’t be faulted for any of the Arsenal goals. Some good punches from balls into the box and a belter of a penalty save. Encouraging from a man under pressure.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saves a penalty from Arsenal's Theo Walcott during the FA Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Nathaniel Clyne: 8

Took a while to find his range. Couple of over hit passes when well positioned early in the game, but a great cross for Coutinho’s second. Steady as ever defending.

Dejan Lovren: 7

How can you struggle to judge a centre-half when you’ve just conceded three goals in a game? Him and Klavan look comfortable with each other.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren in action during the FA Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ragnar Klavan: 7

Bit more of the above. Faster than I thought and we look so much more comfortable with higher balls into our defensive areas with him in the team. Waiting for him to disappoint but another good performance.

Alberto Moreno: 4

I like him. I think he has great qualities, but he sabotages himself so often it’s hard to defend him. Just do the basics, mate, and worry about the other stuff later.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 7 (subbed 88′)

Steady if unspectacular first half. Brings muscle to the Liverpool line-up and a little bit of finesse. Great awareness and technique to play in Lallana for his goal.

Jordan Henderson: 6

Surprise position for the Liverpool captain, but recycled the ball well and kept it neat and tidy. Look’s like a key position for Liverpool to draw the opposition on in dangerous areas but he coped with it well. Looks like he’s still got another gear to shift into.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson in action during the FA Premier League match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Adam Lallana: 7 (subbed 76′)

Extra point for the goal, great finish at a key moment. Decent awareness and pass for Firmino early in the first half. But needs to get himself in the game more, seems to drift in and out sometimes.

Philippe Coutinho: 10 (subbed 69′)

Doubted I’d be lashing a 10 out on my first week, especially after a quiet first 25 minutes, but when he turned it on he turned the game on its head. Perfect free kick, good improvisation to shin his second in and a really good assist. Irresistible when he’s on it.

https://twitter.com/LiverpoolGifs/status/764851072309587968

Sadio Mane: 9

Pace, acceleration, tracks back and loads of end product from the Senegalese. And what a goal. Shows very little fear and was defending on the edge of his own box late on with his team under pressure. COULD be the signing of the summer.

Roberto Firmino: 7

Sloppy first half, but brightened up in the second period. Looks like a completely different player when Liverpool are forcing the issue. However, doesn’t offer enough when we need an outlet, same as Lallana. He has to show more when the hard yards are needed.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 14, 2016: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino in action against Arsenal's Hector Bellerin during the FA Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

SUBS

Emre Can: 7

Shored up the midfield, showed maturity in possession and stepped up when the game was on a knife edge. Didn’t waste possession.

Divock Origi: 7

Normally wouldn’t rate someone only on the pitch for 15 minutes but he showed maturity and strength when the clock needed running down. Going to be some player this lad.

Kevin Stewart: N/A

 

LISTEN: The Pink – Arsenal 3 – 4 Liverpool

READ: Arsenal 3 – 4 Liverpool: Match Review

 

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