Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Arsenal as Kai Havertz put the visitors in front and Mikel Arteta's side defending doggedly for the remainder of the game

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Liverpool was unable to force a goal past a defensively rigid Arsenal at Anfield, with Kai Havertz's strike in the first 45 minutes proving to be the only goal of the game.

After Alisson Becker gifted possession away from a goal kick, Arsenal took the lead early on via the German, who popped up at the back post. After that, however, Liverpool was on top in the game, and Florian Wirtz went close when he hit the crossbar. The Reds also felt that Alexander Isak should have won a penalty when he was pulled back by Jurrien Timber.

The second half saw much of the same, with Liverpool on top but without ever truly looking like scoring. There were moments, but nothing massively clear-cut.

Winners

Trey Nyoni, considering this was his first Premier League start, settled into the game brilliantly. The teenager looked right at home and was often the last Liverpool player back with the ball at his feet. One wrong move and he would have cost his side a goal. That underlines the trust that Andoni Iraola has in the youngster, who was as calm as ever under pressure.

Losers

Alisson's mistake for the opening goal was a costly (and uncharacteristic) one. The negative from a Liverpool perspective was the lack of clinicalness in the final third. When it came to ensuring that the chances it generated were optimal, the Reds struggled. Those half-chances were then not converted. Arsenal, of course, also deserves credit for defending well.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (6). The opening goal stemmed from his poor pass at a goal kick. He didn't have that much to do aside from that, but it was a decisive moment. Excellent save from Tzolis in the second half to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Ronald Araujo (6). Having made a big impression so far at Anfield, the Uruguayan was very quick to get stuck into a strong battle on Christos Tzolis. More than willing to go full throttle, but limited in his attacking influence.

Jeremy Jacquet (7). Strong in the tackle but took a couple of chances. Havertz was pulling onto him when he could but the Frenchman stood strong and was more than up to the battle.

Virgil van Dijk (7). Generally dealt with Havertz quite well and was able to rough up the German. Needed to come across to left-back and cover a couple of times, but shut out the danger well.

Milos Kerkez (7). Patient with his defending even when The Kop wanted him to get stuck in quicker. A couple of times, he got away with losing his duel with Noni Madueke, but grew into things more and more in the second half in an attacking sense until he was taken off.

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Trey Nyoni (7). Handed a start over Ryan Gravenberch in the center, the 19-year-old was fortunate not to pick up a booking early on when he left a foot in twice, but was excellent on the ball. Given a huge amount of responsibility and barely gave it away.

Alexis Mac Allister (7). His excellent start to the new season continued as he buzzed around the field. Snapped into every action and was very purposeful in the center, but somehow missed from a header from close range at the end of the first half.

Cody Gakpo (6). On the right again, the Dutchman is not as natural there as on the left, but is more than willing. He started well but lost his way in terms of being involved.

Florian Wirtz (6). Heavily involved in pressing and winning the ball back in the first half, but not afforded the kind of space he needs to work his magic. Hit the crossbar with a superb effort from a dead ball.

Bradley Barcola (6). Almost got in soon after Arsenal took the lead but couldn't get the ball under control. Livewire down the left flank first half, even if he was often crowded out more and more in the second.

Alexander Isak (6). If Liverpool is to win big prizes this season, then the Swede staying fit and scoring goals is vital. He had a couple of half-chances in the first half and blazed one over in the second. Needed to be more involved, but Arsenal dealt with him superbly.