Player Ratings: Liverpool 1 – 1 Arsenal – Community Shield

Alisson – 7
Huge stop on Nketiah to keep from going 2 down. Did well throughout. A bit shite on the pens, though.

Neco – 6
I thought he did alright. We’re going to have to set up better if we’re going to play ‘em though. Didn’t think he did much wrong on Arsenal’s goal. Would have preferred Milner to have set up camp on his side. Can’t leave him exposed but expect to play through him like he’s Trent. He isn’t.

Gomez – 7
He’s at his best when he keeps it simple. He did that. Better on the ball, 2nd half.

Van Dijk – 7
His average performance is better than 90% of the world’s centerbacks. That’s luxury.

Robertson – 8
Unlucky we didn’t give him better end product, 1st half. Did loads of running and tirelessly pumped balls into the box throughout the game. Some lovely interplay 2nd half as we tried to open them up.

Fabinho – 7
He’s colossal in midfield. Broke up play well. Didn’t recycle possession quickly enough 1st half. Did more than OK when pushed back into CB, 2nd half.

Milner – 6
No offence to James. He’s my guy, but it’s not your day when he’s the bright spot in the mids. Was tirelessly trying to create first half. Probably needs to score off the ball Neco sent in.

Wijnaldum – 5
Looks halfway out doesn’t he? Not much urgency. Failed to impact much of anything.

Mane – 7
Everything just a half step off. Danger at every touch though. Always a threat throughout.

Salah – 6
Had a couple of nice balls through. I imagine we’ll see more of him up front, centrally this season. Really missed Trent’s service, today.

Firmino – 7
Put on an absolute clinic on the high press. Constantly dragging defenders into the mids. A few poor touches first half but a maestro as the game went on. So underappreciated and so, so dangerous on the counter. Thought it was a mistake to sub him off. Especially since he can hit a pen with the best of ‘em.

SUBSTITUTES

Naby – 8 (MOTM)
Thought he changed the game when he came on and should be starting until Henderson’s back. Plays the gaps, and has the vision to unlock low block defenses. Still scares the life out of me. Breaks up play tremendously but then is capable of a really bad giveaway or challenge. Did both today. But his imprint on the match was unmistakable. Created real problems for Arsenal.

Minamino – 8
The effort has never been in question. We’ve been waiting for end product. Made up for em. Great movement on and off the ball and some nice combination work with Naby & Firmino. Reckon he gets loads of minutes this year.

Curtis Jones – N/A
Came on with less than 10 minutes left. Buried his pen and told the keeper to “do one.” Gonna be a big player for this club one day.

Brewster – N/A
Brought on for the pens and smashed it off the bar. I put that as a rare whiff by the gaffer. I understand he’s been electric this pre-season but it seemed like a high risk, low reward situation when he could have just left Bobby on.