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Player Ratings: Dominik Szoboszlai shines as Liverpool beat Aston Villa
Player Ratings: Dominik Szoboszlai shines as Liverpool beat Aston Villa
Liverpool 2 – 0 Aston Villa – Premier League Player Ratings
The Premier League’s return after a horrendously managed departure from the EFL Cup saw a powerful and structured Villa arrive to face a weak and misshapen Liverpool at Anfield. The Stadium was vibrant and the team finally responded with a good display of intent that brought three points.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0
The giant Georgian stopper was superb with an early one-handed save, as a deflected effort arced toward the near post top corner. A further strong stop was needed shortly after as he had to push away a powerful strike from distance.
After the restart, the Reds’ backup keeper was steady and reliable as sporadic attacks came his way.
Conor Bradley – 7.0
The Irish fullback was lively if ineffective in the opening stages as he failed to effectively combine with those around him.
After the break, the inconsistent defender was very good in the final third early on as he created and had a good half volley saved. More freedom going forward certainly suited his style of play.
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international was unlucky early on as he found himself free in the box and shot at a defensive body. Steady and dependable in the first half.
After the intermission, the veteran full-back was good in both halves as he gave determination and experience in equal measures.
Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0
The French international defender was combative early on and looked to impose his physical presence with aerial wins. A poor moment of hesitation on the ball nearly created a goal-scoring opportunity for Villa.
In the second period, the former RB Leipzig man was strong and alert as counterattacks needed repelling.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team was vital in stopping a dangerous break midway through the first half, as openings availed themselves yet again.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was very assured and determined as he pushed his side towards a vital win.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0
The Hungarian skipper was vibrant early on and hammered a shot from distance which drifted just wide. A terrific piece of pressing saw him clean through on goal; however, a weak left-footed effort was easily smothered. A very smart free kick was well saved midway through the half.
When the match resumed, the former RB Leipzig man was superb and tenacious. The ability to drive with the ball and invent with a variety of passes saw him excel.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0
The Dutch midfielder was good when travelling with the ball and linking play, yet limited when space was not available.
After the half-time break, the former Ajax prodigy was able to score the second goal with a penetrating run and a deflected shot which found its way past the opposition goalkeeper.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina international was quietly controlling the tempo of the Reds game in the first half, as he looked to hold the middle whilst his more athletic partners travelled the pitch.
After the break, the 2023 summer signing was able to supply the assist for the vital second goal with a positive pass to Ryan Gravenberch.
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
The Dutch attacker was able to scupper a couple of good opportunities to create, as his slow and methodical approach stunted progression in the final third. A good run across the goal brought a foul midway through the half as he found the space to move inside.
In the second half, the wide man was a good wide outlet and showed smart moments to support those around him.
Hugo Ekitike – 7.0
The French attacker was unlucky early on as he angled a header across goal which nearly saw him assist the opening goal.
After the break, the former PSG striker was quietly effective as he showed glimpses of good form.
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
The Egyptian King was electric in the opening stages as he looked to drive inside and deliver a dangerous floated ball to the back post. Grabbed the vital opening goal as the Reds took the initiative with his quick thinking and a smart strike.
In the second 45 minutes, the record-breaking attacker was clearly enjoying carrying the ball and interlinking with his teammates further forward.
Substitutions;
Florian Wirtz – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to bring more composure up top.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 8.0
The Dutch head coach was always picking this side and laying out the same system and shape, which is a continuing concern considering the failure that came before. Luckily, a renewed sense of urgency was evident as his starters fought for their head coach
The substitutions were limited as changes were noted needed.
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Mikel Arteta could start 16-year-old in third-ro
Arsenal are expected to rotate when they travel to take on Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
It is the first of four away games in four competitions in the space of nine days and Mikel Arteta is set to make use of the strong squad available to him.
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That could mean a first start for Eberechi Eze since the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace last month, while Noni Madueke is also in contention to come into the side.
Arsenal hope to have Kai Havertz in the squad but he is not believed to be ready to start, so Gabriel Jesus will likely lead the line unless Arteta opts to keep trying to play Viktor Gyokeres into form.
The Gunners will again be without Riccardo Calafiori, with Arteta confirming that this match will be “too early” for him.
Piero Hincapie is also a major doubt, having gone off against Liverpool with a suspected hamstring injury. He was due to undergo scans on Friday.
“We have to see the extent of what happened to Piero,” Arteta said.
“He could not carry on in the second half, so I don’t know exactly what it is.”
That leaves Myles Lewis-Skelly as the obvious starter at left-back and there could be an opportunity for 16-year-old Marli Salmon if Arteta decides to rest one of Gabriel or William Saliba.
Kepa will start in goal, as he has been doing in the Carabao Cup, and the likes of Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino are options in midfield.
Ethan Nwaneri will hope for some minutes, even off the bench. He has not featured since the win over Club Brugge a month ago.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Saliba, Salmon, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Injured: Calafiori, Mosquera, Dowman
Doubts: Hincapie, Havertz
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday, January 11, 2026
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Fratton Park
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Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Portsmouth: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera latest
Arsenal will begin their bid to win the FA Cup for the 15th time in their history when they travel to Fratton Park for Sunday’s meeting with Championship strugglers Portsmouth.
The Gunners missed the chance to further extend their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table in Thursday’s underwhelming goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
While their five-game winning league run came to an end, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the fact that his side are now unbeaten in seven competitive matches ahead of Sunday’s cup tie and Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Portsmouth, who are languishing in 21st spot in the Championship standings.
Piero Hincapie
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Hincapie was forced off with what appeared to be a muscle problem in the 57th minute of Thursday’s draw with Liverpool. Arteta now faces a nervous wait to discover the full extent of the defender’s injury.
Kai Havertz
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Match fitness
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Havertz has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of action for months. However, he has been left out of Arsenal’s last two matchday squads as he continues to build up his fitness. There is a possibility that the forward could make his first appearance since August in Sunday’s FA Cup clash.
Riccardo Calafiori
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Calafiori has sat out Arsenal’s last four matches with a muscle injury. The defender is making progress in his recovery, but he is not expected to be ready for the upcoming trip to the south coast.
Cristhian Mosquera
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Like Calafiori, Mosquera is closing in on a return to action after missing over a month of action due to an ankle injury. However, the former Valencia defender will not be available for selection this weekend.
Max Dowman
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
Max Dowman is likely to be out until February after sustaining an ankle problem while playing for Arsenal Under-21s in last month’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.
ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for the third-round tie.
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Whether or not the right players are out there remains to be seen, but with Arteta enduring several injury blows already this season – particularly in defence – the manager will be keeping a close eye on potential targets.
The Gunners splashed the cash in the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera to the Emirates Stadium – so a loan deal might favour the club
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There could also be high-profile exits, both loans and permanent deals, with young midfield talent Ethan Nwaneri linked with an exit. Other youngsters could also make loan moves to get a taste of first-team football.
With that said, football.london takes a closer look at all the moves completed by Arsenal so far this January.
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