Liverpool v. Chelsea Player Ratings: Sterling Shines, Lovren Falters

STARTING XI:

Simon Mignolet - 6.5:

Mignolet was inches away from a straight ten performance, which would have been warranted if he'd kept out Gary Cahill's 13th minute effort. As is the ball barely crossed the line, and Mignolet's initial save was fantastic. The second goal came because of an unfortunate deflection straight to Diego Costa, and it was an overall strong game for the Belgium keeper despite conceding twice.

Alberto Moreno - 5:

Moreno failed to make an impact bursting forward, and at times he looked too tired to track back after accelerating into Chelsea's half, leaving open space for the visitors down the right flank.

Martin Skrtel - 5.5:

Kudos to Skrtel for not giving in to Costa's constant goading -- plenty of other center backs would have had a swing at that guy if they were in Skrtel's shoes. Nonetheless, it wasn't that convincing of a performance for the big bald center back as Liverpool conceded two fairly soft goals.

Dejan Lovren - 4.5:

Lovren was swallowed by the occasion, appearing far too slow and unsure of himself to combat Chelsea's explosive attack. He's at risk of losing his starting spot when Mamadou Sakho returns, and he could even be supplanted by Kolo Toure after the international break.

Glen Johnson - 5:

Johnson made two vital blocks in quick succession at the end of the second half, but besides that it was business as usual for him as Eden Hazard lit him up with his blend of skill and pace.

Steven Gerrard - 5.5:

His calming presence was important when tempers flared, but it was an otherwise insignificant performance from the captain.

Jordan Henderson - 6:

When Henderson has to look after Gerrard his own performance level dips. This was the case again, although Hendo's passing struggles -- he was 7/15 in the final third -- can't be completely explained by Gerrard's presence.

Emre Can - 6.5:

Can used his strength to win possession and then drive forward through the Chelsea midfield. Though his goal relied on fortune, it came because of a positive run and an opportunistic shot. Can tired in the second half, but it was still an excellent showing from him.

Philippe Coutinho - 6:

This was a great match for Coutinho in the attack, especially in the first half when he was able to glide past Chelsea's midfield with his slick dribbling moves. However, he let Cesar Azpilicueta walk past him in the build up to Costa's winner.

Raheem Sterling - 7:

Sterling was once again Liverpool's best player, playing a big role in most of the team's meaningful attacks. He was most dangerous on the left, but he also had some positive moments bursting through the middle much like Coutinho.

Mario Balotelli - 5:

Balotelli isn't meant to play as a lone striker -- once again he made minimal impact in that role -- and so it's getting hard to blame him for the stubbornness of his manager.

SUBS:

Joe Allen - 6:

Allen started energetically, although after an initial flurry of activity he faded out of the game.

Fabio Borini - 5.5:

Borini looked decent but was unable to supply a final product for the Reds to get them level.

Rickie Lambert - 5:

Ever since making a big impact as a substitute in the season opener, Lambert has looked less and less able to supply a spark off the bench.

AVERAGE RATINGS:

Defense - 5

Midfield - 6

Attack - 5.7

Team - 5.64