Arsenal ratings: Gabriel scores Gunners’ quickest-ever goal at Anfield but Zinchenko struggles at full-back

ARSENAL headed into their match against Liverpool knowing that a spot at the top of the Premier League Christmas tree was up for grabs.

And Gunners centre-back Gabriel got them off to the perfect start by scoring inside four minutes of the Anfield clash – their quickest ever goal at the ground in the Premier League era.

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There was nothing to separate the title challengersCredit: Reuters

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Gabriel got Arsenal off to the perfect start at AnfieldCredit: Reuters Here’s how the team’s played on paper The game swung back and forth Arsenal only held their width on the right flank with Bukayo Saka and Ben White

However, Mohamed Salah hit back before long after skipping past a hapless Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The two sides largely cancelled each other out for the remainder of the first half with no one able to create another clear cut chance.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus flashed dangerous crosses across the area but they came to nothing with no one in the box to attack them.

Trent Alexander-Arnold somehow failed to score a Liverpool counter-attack when he struck the bar in the second half, but Arsenal will be more than happy to escape Anfield with a point.

Here’s how SunSport rated the table-topping Gunners at Anfield.

David Raya – 5 David Raya completed just five passes against Liverpool

Could do nothing about Salah’s effort which was powered in at the near post.

Generally assured in dealing with crosses that were swung into the box but passing was less than ideal for an away side at Anfield who want to play out from the back with only two accurate long balls from 17 attempted.

Ben White – 6

Solid and dependable as ever at right back with attacking threats mainly coming down Zinchenko’s side.

Saw one dangerous cross to the edge of the area go unrewarded.

Gabriel – 8

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Gabriel scored a superb header inside four minutesCredit: Reuters Gabriel put in a Man of the Match display

Superb header to open the scoring after just four minutes and was at his best in the defensive phase.

Bailed out his underperforming team-mates a number of times. One of the division’s best and proved it here.

William Saliba – 7

Comparisons to Virgil van Dijk earlier this week do the Frenchman a disservice, as proven by his display at Anfield with his assured and composed performance.

Made seven clearances as he nullified many Liverpool threats.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 3

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Oleksandr Zinchenko did not cover himself in glory against LiverpoolCredit: Alamy

Beaten far too easily by Salah who barely put in any effort to get past the Ukrainian and was bailed out by Rice after giving the ball away to Salah early in the second half.

Passing was too often not good enough as well.

Declan Rice – 7

A constant reassuring presence for Mikel Arteta’s side both in and out of possession by cutting out dangerous attacks and staying composed under pressure.

Proving to be worth every penny for the Gunners and could be the final piece to end their 20 year title drought – though we will only know that come May.

Kai Havertz – 4 Kai Havertz was largely on the fringes of the game

Another display where you question his role in the team.

Has improved in recent weeks by adding goals from midfield, but today was a less-than impressive set back on the German’s road to consistency in an Arsenal shirt.

Martin Odegaard – 5

Pinpoint cross from a dead ball to assist the opener but was fortunate to not give away a penalty early on after a seemingly deliberate hand movement towards the ball.

Provided some good switches of play after the break but seemed to be overrun in the midfield battle as the game went on.

Bukayo Saka – 6

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Bukayo Saka posed a constant threat against Liverpool but faded as the game went onCredit: Reuters

Started brightly and was a constant pain for the Liverpool defence with his incisive runs and dangerous wing-play in the first half.

Had less joy following the introduction of Joe Gomez after he replaced the injured Kostas Tsimikas but did still manage to flash some dangerous crosses across into the area.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Always a problem for Liverpool thanks to his driving runs and ability to bring the ball up the pitch, but was unable to show his quality in the final third – a common theme for the Brazilian this season.

Had a couple of good chances to break but ended up being run down and tackled by Ibrahima Konate. Subbed for Leandro Trossard after 68 minutes.

Gabriel Jesus – 4

Largely anonymous in the opening exchanges with Van Dijk and Konate marshalling the home sides defence.

Can never question the Brazilian’s industry but failed to lead the line effectively today, not that he had much support to do so.

Subs Leandro Trossard (on for Martinelli 68 minutes) – 6

Has so often been the difference maker for Arsenal coming off the bench and added a dynamic threat so stretch the Reds tiring defence but was unable to get a decisive winner.

Eddie Nketiah (on for Jesus 78 minutes) – 5

Had next to no impact after being introduced.

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