The Dutch defender equalized after Alexander-Arnold delivered a dangerous corner. If Liverpool secures a win against Arsenal, they could create a seven-point gap over their title rivals in third place.
This match has become essential for Mikel Arteta’s side as they aim to gain an early psychological advantage over Arne Slot’s strong team. Following Van Dijk’s goal, Alexander-Arnold was visibly thrilled, reportedly shouting “my centre-back” during the celebrations, as seen in footage shared by Sky Sports.
However, Liverpool’s overall first-half performance has not been particularly impressive. The team has largely been outmuscled and outperformed at the Emirates before the break. While Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role in the equalizer, his first half hasn’t been standout, earning a rating of 6.5/10 from Sofascore.
He failed to win any aerial duels (0 for 2) but managed two key passes. His 62% pass success rate (with one out of six long balls completed) suggests he’s trying to influence the match, even if it hasn’t fully materialized yet. Meanwhile, fellow fullback Andy Robertson has struggled to contain Bukayo Saka’s threat.
