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#3: Bukayo Saka’s efficiency
It’s incredible to think that a player of Bukayo Saka’s calibre didn’t make it to the senior England squad. The 18-year-old has shown that despite his tender age, he can make an impact against the very best.
Up against the champions of England, Saka was precise and efficient in everything he did. He knew when to release the ball early, when to hold on to it and which pass to make. For Aubameyang’s opener, it was Saka’s quick thinking and switch of play that put the Arsenal captain in a favourable position to score.
Against Liverpool, Saka operated as an RW. He has also excelled at LWB, LB and AM in the past, which shows that he is a special talent. The Arsenal player won five aerial duels and four ground duels; he also created three chances, two successful take-ons and provided an assist.
#2: Takumi Minamino makes his mark
Last season, Japanese international Takumi Minamino struggled to make any kind of impact at Liverpool. Brought in as a rotational option in January for Liverpool’s world-class attack, things didn't gone too well for the 25-year-old as he failed to score in 14 games. Against Arsenal, however, when his manager needed him the most, Minamino delivered.
It was only when the forward came on in the 59th minute that Liverpool truly started to look dangerous. Before that, they had dominated possession against Arsenal without really creating enough chances.
Minamino's movement and insistence to run at Arsenal’s defence helped open up gaps for Liverpool to exploit. He looked sharp during his cameo, and it was his quick reactions that allowed him to prey on a loose ball in the box and score Liverpool's equaliser.
Minamino will hope that his performance against Arsenal will lead him to make more Liverpool starts in the near future.
#1: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Man of the Match)
According to reports that broke out earlier in the week, Ainsley Maitland-Niles was apparently nearing a move to Wolves. The West Midlands side reportedly offered £15m for the 23-year-old, which Arsenal rejected; it was believed the Gunners did so because they were holding out for £25m instead.
However, after a big-game performance like the one he put up against Liverpool, Arsenal may not be able to justify the sale of the versatile midfielder.
Although he lined up as an LWB, Maitland-Niles drifted inwards as a third CM to help Arsenal in possession, thus facilitating quicker transitions up the pitch. His positioning was instrumental to Arsenal’s attacking play and defensive organisation.
In a 'Man of the Match' display, the 23-year-old made four tackles and three clearances. He also won eight ground duels and constantly offered himself as a passing option for Aubameyang.
