In the weekend’s main FA Cup third round match, Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Jakub Kiwior and a thunderous late goal by Luis Diaz. The hosts’ terrible play continued into the New Year on Sunday.

In the 80th minute, Kiwior’s head was struck by Liverpool captain Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick, making Arsenal pay for the several opportunities they had missed in the first half.

After that, Diaz struck again in stoppage time to guarantee Liverpool, the eight-time winners, a spot in the fourth round draw.

Arsenal missed a number of early opportunities, while Liverpool, the league leaders, were second best during the first half.

 

Lewis Steele of Mail Sport graded the players.

Jakub Kiwior’s own goal and a late Luis Diaz strike gave Liverpool victory over Arsenal

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Alisson – 7

Was forced to make several key stops in the first half as Arsenal had 13 shots, five of which were on target. Commanding on crosses as usual and did not make a mistake with his distribution.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

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Slightly caught napping early on for one of many golden chances Arsenal missed as Nelson sprung through on goal. Struck the crossbar late in the first half and dictated play from his inverted role. Beautiful set-piece delivery for Liverpool’s goal.

Ibrahima Konate – 7.5

Had his best performance in a Liverpool shirt when Arsenal visited Anfield just before Christmas and, while this was not quite as imperious, it was a decent showing from Konate, who made several telling blocks and interceptions at 0-0.

Jarell Quansah – 7

A scary moment for Liverpool, noting their defensive injury crisis as he went down in some discomfort in the first half but seemed OK after that.

Joe Gomez – 6.5

Had a lapse in concentration and got away with one early in the first half as he lost possession cheaply to Saka, who squared for Nelson and should have scored. Covers a lot of distance with his marauding runs down the left-hand side.

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate produced another dominant display against Arsenal

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

First start for a month after a knee injury, following a positive cameo off the bench against Newcastle last week. Got on the ball well but Arsenal’s midfield had the better of him in a defensive sense.

Cody Gakpo – 6.5

Playing in the No 8 role and offered little in the first half in terms of an attacking sense, much the theme of Liverpool’s whole team.

Curtis Jones – 6.5

Is Liverpool’s most underrated player and never stops running. Has put in some world class performance in recent weeks but could not quite impact this game how he would have liked.

Harvey Elliott – 7

A big month ahead for the youngster with this the first match without Mo Salah, and Elliott was given the nod on the right-hand side. Has a wicked dead-ball delivery.

Darwin Nunez – 7.5

Saw little of the ball in the first half but, with his one key chance, he glanced a header just wide from a fizzed corner. Not the best night in front of goal again but he put in a solid shift nevertheless and was a big threat on the left wing in the second half.

Luis Diaz – 7.5

Saw little of the ball in the first half but had a few tussles with White. The Colombian winger started on the opposite wing after the break. Sometimes it looks like he overthinks certain moments but got his rewards for a great game with the second goal in stoppage time.

Substitutes

Diogo Jota (for Gakpo 59) – 7

Ryan Gravenberch (for Mac Allister 59) – 6 (BOOKED)

Bobby Clark (for Elliott 75) – 7 (BOOKED)

Conor Bradley (for Jones 75) – 7

Not used: Caoimhin Kelleher, Luke Chambers, Kaide Gordon, James McConnell, Trey Nyoni.

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