Liverpool were narrowly beaten by Arsenal in a game of fine margins that was ultimately decided by a mistake from Alisson Becker. The reigning Premier League champions dominated the early exchanges and got their reward when Kai Havertz tapped home from close range. Arsenal were gifted possession after Alisson tried to pass to a team-mate, but ended up losing the ball in a dangerous area.

The goal seemed to kick Liverpool into gear and they were unfortunate not to equalise before the break. Florian Wirtz went closest with a sweetly-struck free-kick from a tight angle, which rattled the crossbar. Alexis Mac Allister also had a great chance to score with a free header, but directed it over when he really should have hit the target.

Liverpool arguably should have had a penalty when Alexander Isak was tugged back inside the area, but the incident went unpunished.

The second half was more scrappy and even, with Arsenal defending well and Liverpool gaining control without creating many real opportunities to score.

They piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but couldn't find a leveller before the final whistle as the Gunners held on to secure a valuable three points in the Premier League title race.

Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players following today's slender defeat...

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Liverpool player ratings vs Arsenal

Alisson Becker - 5

Made a couple of decent saves but gave the ball away for Arsenal's early goal with a poor pass to nobody in particular. Looked shaky with the ball at his feet throughout.

Ronald Araujo - 6

Produced a few strong challenges and defended well for the majority of the game, but offered comparatively little going forward.

Jeremy Jacquet - 6

A decent display overall. Kept his composure against Havertz for the majority of the game and didn't do much wrong in possession.

Virgil van Dijk - 6

Used the ball well to help Liverpool build attacks from the very back. Looked a little stretched on occasion but didn't have a bad game.

Milos Kerkez - 5

Struggled against Noni Madueke on the left flank and wasn't much better going forward, with the majority of his crosses being headed away. Booked.

Trey Nyoni - 6

Looked fired up on his full Premier League debut and was responsible for a few early fouls. Started slowly like his other midfield team-mates but got better as the match progressed.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7

Blazed a free header over the crossbar when he really should have scored, but was Liverpool's best midfielder despite taking a while to get into the game. Booked.

Florian Wirtz - 6

Rattled the crossbar with a powerful free-kick from range just before the break. Showed moments of quality but couldn't influence the result in the end.

Bradley Barcola - 7

Squandered an opportunity to equalise with a heavy touch on the edge of the box, but regularly caused problems for Arsenal with his direct running out wide. Booked.

Cody Gakpo - 6

Worked hard off the ball to press Arsenal's defenders but took a while to get going and was less effective in possession.

Alexander Isak - 6

Put himself about in the box and was inches away from getting a couple of decisive touches, but couldn't get himself on the scoresheet.

Substitutes

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7

Came on just before the hour mark, replacing Nyoni. Helped Liverpool to control the game as the clock ticked down.

Rio Ngumoha - 7

Introduced with just over 20 minutes remaining. Tried his hardest to make things happen and caused a few problems down Arsenal's left side.

Kostas Tsimikas - 6

Came on for the last 10 minutes as part of a triple change. Spent most of his time in Arsenal's half as Liverpool piled the pressure on.

Victor Munoz - 6

Introduced for the closing stages. Looked lively as Liverpool chased the game but couldn't get a late goal.

Lewis Koumas - 6

Got a run-out in the final 10 minutes. Got himself into some good areas but the ball didn't fall for him in the end.