Liverpool secured a remarkable victory over Arsenal in FA Cup.
In a remarkable display of determination, Liverpool emerged victorious over Arsenal with a 2-0 win at the Emirates, marking their first FA Cup triumph against the Gunners in nearly six decades.
Jakub Kiwior’s unfortunate 80th-minute own goal provided Liverpool with a crucial lead, while Luis Diaz sealed the victory with a goal in injury time. This victory was particularly impressive as Liverpool had to withstand intense pressure from Arsenal during the initial stages of the match.
Liverpool successful FA Cup journey adds to their ambition of clinching four titles this season. They are set to face Fulham in the League Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield on Wednesday.
Here’s how the Reds are rated by Ian Doyle on a cold afternoon in North London.
Alisson Becker 8
Did enough to distract Nelson with early Arsenal chance and good save from White before break, and alert to turn away deflected Havertz cross. Dealt with high balls very well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
Pressed hard by Arsenal but able to still execute good passes from midfield and some good defending. Struck the crossbar with one venomous effort, ended up in midfield and put in free-kick delivery for winner. Booked.
Ibrahima Konate 9
Excellent block denied Nelson early on and kept throwing his body on the line when it mattered. Read game well and took on responsibility in Van Dijk absence. Outstanding.
Jarell Quansah 7
Decent enough in terms of positioning but struggled under pressure when in possession first half. Kept at it, though, and didn’t lose concentration and improved.
Joe Gomez 7
Didn’t have great time first half up against Saka and gifted Arsenal one opportunity. Significantly better after break as Liverpool got on top.
Alexis Mac Allister 6
Back as the number six, caught in possession a couple of times but looked to get Liverpool moving with his passing. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo 6
On the right of midfield three, anonymous during one-sided opening but gained confidence with neat play in tight areas. Moved to centre forward second half. Subbed.
Curtis Jones 6
Another slow starter who became more prominent, not least when making a fool of White with one piece of skill. Shifted to number six on the hour. Subbed.
Harvey Elliott 6
Filling the Salah role, had a few runs early on but was unable to overly impact the game first half. More of the same after break when employed in midfield. Booked and subbed.
Darwin Nunez 7
Given scant service for most of the first half but sent header wide from one corner. Much more dangerous when moved to the left and fired in some efforts. Involved in second goal.
Luis Diaz 7
Asking him to win headers up against Gabriel first half was a tad ambitious. Improved when shifted to right flank second half even if didn’t always make right choice until smashing in the second late on.
SUBS
Diogo Jota (for Gakpo 59) 7
Created chance for Diaz and headed against crossbar before assisting the Colombian.
Ryan Gravenberch (for Mac Allister 59) 6
Only fleeting glimpses during another fitful cameo. Booked.
Conor Bradley (for Elliott 75) 7
Solid outing for the youngster at right-back.
Bobby Clark (for Jones 75) 6
Third senior outing for the highly-rated teenage midfielder. Booked.
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