Liverpool Player Ratings v Sunderland

Before we start, I would like to take a minute to plug the transfer window thread, located in the FanPosts section on the right hand side of the homepage. With all the ins and outs, feel free to use it to discuss everything from confirmed deals to rumors. On to the ratings:

STARTERS:

Reina - 8 - Great double save to bail Wisdom out. Also looked to be back to his old self as his distribution sprung a number of counter attacks.

Johnson - 7 - Got forward very well all game. He really deserved a goal that just didn't happen. It did help that he had little defending to do.

Skrtel - 6 - Way too many stupid unnecessary fouls in the first half. I really can't figure out why he has been unable to fix this part of his game.

Agger - 7 - Solid as always. One key interception to preserve the clean sheet.

Wisdom - 7 - A little youthful exuberance on his shots, but was very solid in defense apart from the one time Reina had to bail him out. Also did well to get forward.

Lucas - 6 - The first half pretty much passed him by. He got a little more involved in the second, but over all Gerrard was pulling all the strings.

Gerrard - 8 - Pulled all the strings all game long and what an unbelievable ball to Suarez for the third goal. This was vintage Gerrard.

Sterling - 7 - A little overrun by the physicality in the first half. That said, his run behind was fantastic and the finish even better. Looked gassed by the end.

Downing - 8 - Apparently BR should have threatened to sell him a long time ago. His first half was excellent and produced a number of dangerous crosses. A little more subdued in the second comparitvely speaking, but was still excellent on the wing.

Henderson - 8 - Thrived tonight in the role just behind Suarez. Had some deft touches and vision, none better than the slight touch on a break near the end of the first half to put the ball onto Downing. Put himself in great positions all night long.

Suarez - 9 - Probably should have pulled his first goal back for Henderson, but it worked. A goal, and assist in the first half. Should have had a second assist after putting Sterling through cleverly. His second goal was sublime as was his touch on a ball played through by Allen where he was unlucky not to complete his treble . An absolute handful.

SUBS:

Allen - 7 - How he didn't score I don't know. This was the first time he actually looked good in that more advanced role.

Carragher - 6 - Didn't ruin the clean sheet and now has the second most appearances in Liverpool history.

Suso - 7 - Perhaps a 7 is a bit high, but he did press well and created some decent chances in the short time he was on the pitch.