Dan needed the weekend off, so you guys are stuck with me. Don't worry, it'll be just like old times. I post the ratings, you all tell me I don't know what I'm doing and I reluctantly agree. While the first half was great, the second wasn't as convincing which made these a bit tougher for some players. Here we go:
STARTING XI:
Mignolet - 7 - Little to do all game, but that incredible reflex save from the redirected shot early in the first was absolutely incredible. If you've never played keeper it is hard to appreciate how great that save is.
Toure - 7 - He had another solid match, putting in the tackles and blocks. Even better, his shirt was still tucked in at the end of the match. That's class.
Skrtel - 7 - Fairly quiet, but he was a beast in the air and quietly led the back line very well. Didn't put a foot wrong which again makes it hard to drop him for Agger right now.
Sakho - 7 - This man loves a hard tackle and was putting them in right and left. I would be scared shitless of him if I were dribbling at him. Luckily he seems to get them right most of the time.
Henderson - 8 - He filled Lucas' shoes better than Lucas. The man has boundless energy and as Matt pointed out in the gamethread, he probably jogs home after matches. He was all over the place breaking up Palace's midfield play and covering for defenders. An exquisite performance.
Enrique - 7 - Fantastic move to set up Suarez for the first. His crosses were dangerous all match long and he didn't shirk his defensive role either (although he didn't have much of one). He did have one awful pass in the second that put Liverpool under pressure. Looked like Liverpool were using zonal marking on Palace's goal so I won't fault him for that.
Gerrard - 7 - Took his penalty quite well. It could be argued he was at fault for the goal. Overall he got forward well, but still isn't his usual influential self. That is probably a good thing though as it means Liverpool will be able to cope when he retires.
Sterling - 6 - He did win a penalty, albeit a controversial one. The replays still are inconclusive as to whether it was in or out of the box. Overall he just lacks the confidence to take players on and lost the ball in advanced positions too often. It is very unlike him not to just knock the ball on and use his pace, but he seemed reluctant to do so. By the end of the match it seemed Sturridge didn't want to pass to him.
Moses - 6 - How did he miss that sitter? Very unlucky not to have scored Liverpool's 4th. He did well to start the attack for Liverpool's first and overall had a tidy match. He still doesn't seem on the same wavelength as Sturridge and Suarez many times, but that will come with time.
Sturridge - 8 - Fantastic movement all game long. He took his goal superbly, creating space for himself and putting it the only place he could from that angle. He ran his socks off all match, and was unlucky not to bag a second off a great move by Suarez.
Suarez - 8 - Typical Suarez, still had it all to do after the cutback but Enrique, slipped, and still managed to find the back of the net from on the floor. It had to feel quite good. He was a menace all game long. However, it was a bit odd him bringing out the baby for the mascot. I'm glad he loves the little guy, but it was weird.
SUBS:
Agger - 6 - Good to see him back. Was wasteful with his first two touches, but settled in nicely shutting down his flank.
Alberto - 5 - Struggled to get into the match. Had a few decent touches in the far corner, but otherwise seemed off the pace. With BR giving him 30 minutes I was hoping to see a bit more promise than that.
Aspas - N/A - Late cameo.
Loading comments...