/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12814341/168090087.0.jpg)
After a passionless Derby, it's time to rate the players. Lots of times I'll go back and watch the match again, or at least the highlights before writing these, not this time though. I can't subject myself to that again. There is little more to say about the match that hasn't already been said, so let's get right to it:
STARTING XI:
Reina - 7 - Other than tipping a looping deflection off his post and out and one punch, I can't remember a thing else about what he did. On another note, he is appearing to return to form. Likely just in time to leave.
Enrique - 6 - Fought hard to contain Mirallas and succeeded for the most part. Typically, he got forward and put a few dangerous crosses in.
Agger - 7 - Did well to keep the Everton front line very quiet. Even got in on the attack a few times in an effort to spark his team a bit.
Carragher - 10 - Only cause its his last Derby. Same as Agger, and he didn't score an own goal so that clearly is a successful day for Carra.
Johnson - 6 - Just has looked out of confidence the latter half of the season and today was no different. While he played his part in the defensive effort, his game going forward has taken a significant downturn. I'm not sure how to fix it, but it is a definitely problem.
Lucas - 6 - Tried to get a yellow early in typical fashion. He did not seem in control of the midfield. There was a large gap between him and the forwards which didn't help, but his distribution wasn't stellar either.
Gerrard - 7 - It is hard to say how much his injury has affected him. A subdued performance at the start compared to what we are used to from him in Derbies. Grew more influential as the game went on until he was subbed. He is now out for the season and set to have surgery tomorrow.
Coutinho - 7 - The only time Liverpool looked a threat was when he had the ball. Played Sturridge in with another excellent pass, but it came to nothing. Glad to see he wasn't affected by the atmosphere.
Henderson - 6 - Ran his socks off chasing everything down, but perhaps he wouldn't have to if he was tidier in possession.
Downing - 5 - I almost forgot he was on the pitch. He got lost in the moment and had little effect on the game that I remember.
Sturridge - 5 - Struggled to get into the game for much of it. I would have liked to see him drop a little deeper at times to pick up the ball and then find Coutinho to start the attack. By playing so high, he certainly didn't help Lucas in his battle for the midfield or his distribution either. Failed when played in 1v1 with Howard as well.
SUBS:
Borini - 5 - Certainly not the impact sub that he was last week.
Skrtel - N/A - Little time and I have no idea what role he was supposed to be playing since he came in for Downing. Not fair to him.