Aaron Ramsey in action at Anfield (Getty)

Arsenal’s midfield was labelled ‘absolutely shocking’ for their display in the first half of their match against Liverpool.

The hosts totally dominated the opening exchanges of the Premier League meeting at Anfield and fully deserved to take the lead midway through the first half.

It was Robert Firmino who opened the scoring, heading in from close range.

The goal came from Arsenal losing possession in their own half. But while Granit Xhaka gave the ball away, it was his fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey who came in for a battering.

Firmino heads in the opening goal (Getty)

While Xhaka was giving away possession, the Wales international was conducting a conversation with the Arsenal bench and looking the wrong way.

Jamie Carragher highlighted the lapse from Ramsey on Sky Sports.

Here’s how it unfolded…

‘That’s Aaron Ramsey not even looking at the ball,’ said Carragher as Petr Cech threw the ball out.
‘As it goes on, it gets thrown out now, Arsenal lose the ball now,’ says Carragher with Ramsey still not looking and Xhaka about to give the ball away.
‘Arsenal lose the ball now from Xhaka,’ says Carragher, with Ramsey still looking the wrong way and apparently talking to the bench
Carragher highlights the gap between Xhaka and Ramsey: ‘And there you’ve got it, look at the space between the midfield players, away from home, big game, Ramsey not even watching the ball.’
With Ramsey finally realising what’s happening, Carragher says: ‘Talk about lack of discipline.’
Ramsey tried to get back but could do nothing as Firmino heads the ball into the net. As Carragher put it: ‘Completely out the game.’

Carragher concluded: ‘This midfield for Arsenal are absolutely shocking in this first 25 minutes.’

The Gunners would concede again and Ramsey was replaced at half-time by Francis Coquelin.

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