A truly entertaining League Cup tie at Anfield ended in a 5-5 draw after a 94th-minute equaliser for Liverpool, who then won the match in the penalty shootout.
Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (5-4 on pens)
League Cup Fourth Round, Anfield
October 30, 2019
Goals: Mustafi OG 6’, Milner 43’, Oxlade-Chamberlain 58’, Origi 63’, 90+4′; Torreira 19’, Martinelli 26’, 36’, Maitland-Niles 54’, Willock 70’
Caoimhin Kelleher (out of 10) – 7
Kelleher made his first-ever appearance at Anfield, and although goals were conceded, he should actually feel happy with his efforts.
The Irishman looked confident on the ball and he could do little about Arsenal‘s goals, making smart saves in the lead-up to the first two.
Saved from Dani Ceballos in the penalty shootout, making himself a hero.
Neco Williams – 7
Williams was handed his Liverpool debut and the right-back made a confident early pass into the feet of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, leading to Shkodran Mustafi firing into his own net.
The 18-year-old looked susceptible defensively at times, which was understandable, but he did well in general and really grew into the game in the second half.
Was still going strong at the end and assisted Divock Origi for his last-gasp leveller.
Joe Gomez – 5
Gomez has struggled for playing time this season and this was a great chance for him to prove his worth in Joel Matip‘s absence.
Sadly, he failed to, instead looking off the pace and failing to hold a young defence together.
His recovery pace helped bail him out a few times, but this is a far cry from the imperious defender we were watching this time last year.
Another Reds debutant, this will be a huge learning curve for Van den Berg.
The general consensus is that he hasn’t looked too convincing for the Under-23s and he wasn’t at the races against Arsenal in the first half, slow and often out of position.
He got better as the match progressed, though, keeping it simple in the second half.
James Milner – 6
Liverpool’s Mr Versatile wasn’t rested like numerous other senior figures, instead used in the left-back role as he was in the last round.
The veteran was neat and tidy on the ball and nervelessly scored a penalty to make it 3-2 on the night, as well as netting in the shootout.
He sold Kelleher horribly short for Arsenal‘s fourth goal, however.
Adam Lallana – 6
Lallana came into the side, filling the gaping void by Fabinho in the No.6 role.
The 31-year-old attempted to dictate the game early on and played one lovely pass to Oxlade-Chamberlain, but his lack of defensive nous was also exposed.
He switched off badly for Gabriel Martinelli’s first goal and was caught on the ball a few times. Scored his spot-kick.
Having not featured at home to Tottenham, the midfielder was hoping to recreate his goalscoring heroics against Genk last week.
He assisted Mustafi’s own goal with a low cross and thundered a stunning strike into the Kop net. Job done.
Naby Keita – 5
Keita has shown glimpses of hitting top form in recent weeks, but this was a poor showing.
There were the usual stepovers and intricate passes in the early stages, but Jurgen Klopp will have wanted far more in terms of all-round influence.
Like so many, the Guinean didn’t cover himself in glory defensively and one shot that flew into the Anfield Road end was his greatest attacking involvement.
Limped off with a suspected groin issue, as his injury woes continue.
Harvey Elliott – 8
Elliott became the youngster player ever to start a home game for Liverpool.
The 16-year-old started on the right-hand side and sent an early shot into crowd, looking full of confidence with the ball at his feet.
The former Fulham prospect was badly at fault for Martinelli’s second, but he won the penalty that Milner fired home and certainly didn’t shy away as the Reds chased a late equaliser. Impressive.
Divock Origi – 8
Origi’s inclusion was logical, with the Belgian taking up the left-sided role he has grown accustomed to.
He looked a threat from the off, with his quick feet and power causing problems, but he was bad for Arsenal‘s second goal, allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to ghost past him.
A brilliant goal made it 4-4 and he then equalised dramatically in added time, also scoring his penalty.
Cult hero probably doesn’t do it justice anymore – he just has a knack for scoring big goals, often without playing particularly well.
Rhian Brewster – 8
Like Kelleher, Brewster made his Anfield debut, hoping to impress more than at MK Dons when he was a peripheral figure.
He struggled to make his mark at times, often producing heavy touches, but he got better as the game went on and showed good strength and movement, dropping deep and getting more involved.
Scored his penalty, celebrating in delighted fashion.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (on for Keita, 55′) – 8
Did far more than Keita and netted the winning penalty, fulfilling a childhood dream. Confident.
Chirivella (on for Oxlade-Chamberlain, 81′) – 6
The Spaniard was fairly unnoticeable. Eligible.
Subs not used: Adrian, Koumetio, Larouci, Clarkson, Kane
Jurgen Klopp – 8
Look at the never-say-die team Klopp has turned Liverpool into!
The manager understandably made 11 changes to the side that beat Tottenham on Sunday and his inexperienced players did themselves proud.
The defending was wretched at times, but that wasn’t down to the boss.
Reds teams of the past would simply never have ended up winning this.
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