Mane and Alisson 8/10 as Liverpool shrug off Arsenal’s challenge at Anfield

Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season continued as the Reds came from behind to record a well-earned 3-1 win over Arsenal.

The revitalised Gunners were expected to provide a stern test for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and they took the lead when Andy Robertson miscued into the path of Alexandre Lacazette who just about bundled home. But Liverpool’s response was excellent as Sadio Mane tapped the hosts level within three minutes of Arsenal’s goal, before Robertson redeemed himself with a composed finish from close-range to give the hosts a half-time lead.

On as a sub for his Premier League debut as a Liverpool player, Diogo Jota’s smartly taken debut strike ensured the Reds wrapped up a big three points.

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Positives

Talk about the perfect response to a setback — the Reds took just three minutes to level the scores after falling behind against the run of play, and within nine, they were in front. Jurgen Klopp’s men were outstanding in the press, and excellent value for the three points.

Negatives

Liverpool have now failed to keep a clean sheet at Anfield in their last three outings, having conceded seven times. Klopp won’t be too happy about the manner in which they conceded either, as Robertson & Co. really should have had no trouble clearing Maitland-Niles’ cross.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Jurgen Klopp, 8 — The German made just one change with Joe Gomez replacing Jordan Henderson, allowing Fabinho to move back into his more natural midfield role. It wasn’t always comfortable, but his side’s attitude and energy were quite simply faultless.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alisson, 8 — There was little he could do to keep out Lacazette’s mishit shot into the ground, which cruelly looped over the Brazil man’s desperate dive, but he thwarted the Frenchman with an excellent one-on-one stop after the break to keep the hosts in front.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 8 — Produced a trademark performance full of pinpoint crosses. The troublesome right-back came within inches of the scoresheet when his powerful strike was deflected onto the bar by Bellerin, though he picked out his fellow full-back superbly to put the Reds in front.

DF Joe Gomez, 7 — Played a risky game when he tried to shepherd out a pass that was always lacking pace with the energetic Maitland-Niles in pursuit. Perhaps should have done better as Arsenal went in front, but otherwise a good display.

Mane was brilliant and confident from start to finish, scoring the first Liverpool goal and generally leading the line with aplomb against Arsenal. Getty

DF Virgil van Dijk 7 — The big Dutchman came close to opening the scoring with a downward header that brought the best out of David Luiz before testing Leno with a pile-driver from distance that bounced awkwardly in front of the Arsenal keeper.

DF Andrew Robertson, 7 — A typically energetic performance from the Scot. He miscued a horrible clearance into the path of Lacazette to gift the Gunners an ugly the lead, but redeemed himself with a relentless charge forward to turn home from Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

MF Naby Keita, 7 — Gave the visitors plenty to think about in an impressive display. His battling run in the build up to the equaliser epitomised his side’s spirit, and his powerful effort later drew a smart save from Leno.

MF Fabinho 6 — Scuffed a tame effort from the edge of the box straight down the throat of Leno following more good pressing from Liverpool. Produced a crucial intervention to halt the breakaway of his compatriot Willian shortly after the restart.

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 6 — A Rolls-Royce of a midfielder on his day. He linked up well with Naby Keita in Henderson’s absence and saw an early strike kept out by Leno, although this was one of his quieter displays.

FW Mohamed Salah, 7 — The Egyptian struck his first ever Premier League goal against Arsenal, but this time he turned provider — despite his best efforts to score himself — after Leno could only push his effort straight to Mane, who calmly tapped home.

FW Roberto Firmino, 7 — Even on a quiet day, the selfless number nine is so important to the way Liverpool operate, collecting the ball deep and feeding it out wide. In doing so, he picked out Salah’s driving run that led to Mane’s opener.

FW Sadio Mane, 8 — Started with plenty of fizz and picked up an early booking for throwing a careless arm into the face of Kieran Tierney. But the Senegal star is always a handful and he came good again with a poacher’s finish to level the scores.

Substitutions

MF James Milner, NR — Brought on for Keita as Klopp turned to the veteran midfielder to see the game out.

FW Diogo Jota, NR — Replaced Mane to make his league debut for Liverpool and wrapped up the points with a lovely finish into the bottom-left corner.

MF Takumi Minamino, NR — Introduced for Firmino in stoppage time, but didn’t have time to make an impact.