After a bitterly disappointing exit from the Capital One cup after narrowly losing out 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the semi-final, it is clear to see that our performance level is right back at the top level where it should be. Here’s how our individual players fared last night.
Simon Mignolet – 9/10
A splendid display by our Belgian keeper. Mignolet has come under plenty of much deserved criticism so far this season after a series of woeful displays earlier on in the campaign. However, he deserves credit for his response, as his recent form has improved enormously. Although his kicking remains somewhat haphazard, Mignolet was commanding in the air, coming off his line with authority to claim crosses and corners; something he has previously struggled with hugely. His shot stopping was immense, notably his crucial reflex save from a wickedly deflected Diego Costa shot in the second half, which kept us in the game right until the very end. He could do nothing about the Ivanovic goal.
Emre Can – 8/10
What a signing this man looks to be for £9 million. Still only 21 and playing in an unfamiliar position at right centre back, Can looks remarkably assured in this role. He brought the ball out well from the back, his distribution was calm and intelligent, and perhaps most impressively was his comprehensive marshalling of Eden Hazard who he kept relatively quiet throughout. His pace and physical strength were once again put to good use. He is thoroughly deserving of his place in the side and is consistently showing his ability in this extended run of games in the starting line up.
Martin Skrtel – 7/10
I’m not Skrtel’s biggest fan, but the Slovakian has looked much more assured in the centre of a back three. He was terrific in this game, winning countless aerial duels and vital interceptions. Also managed to keep Diego Costa in his pocket all evening, although he was fortunate to get away with a rash challenge on the striker which could quite easily have resulted in a penalty. Nevertheless, this was a solid overall performance.
Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Sakho has been instrumental in recent weeks, finally establishing himself in the Liverpool side on the left of the back three. For the most part, he had a decent game. Despite his slightly awkward style, his passing remains crisp and accurate, whilst he used his strength and positioning well to cut out numerous attacks. However, his rating is let down by 2 awfully stray passes- perhaps trying a little to hard to play a clever ball, which could have caused real problems. Luckily for Sakho, neither resulted in Chelsea scoring but he was lucky to get away with it.
Lazar Markovic – 5/10
Another summer signing who seems to have found his form in this new system over the last month, playing in an unorthodox right wing back role admirably well. However, the Serb endured a very quiet evening and struggled to really impose himself on proceedings. He was substituted for Balotelli in the 2nd half. There’s much more to come from him though.
Lucas Leiva – 8/10
Yet another outstanding performance by Lucas who has re-found himself over the last few months. Since being re-introduced into the side, Lucas has been a rock. Last night was no different. Lucas was everywhere, shielding the defence with countless blocks, tackles and interceptions. He always seems to be in the right place. His heading and passing ability are also rather underrated in my opinion, and his contribution in defensive midfield is absolutely vital for the team. Unlucky to give away the free kick which lead to Ivanovic’s winning goal after receiving a poorly placed pass from Balotelli. He is playing the best football of his Liverpool career to date, and long may it continue.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
This man has been tremendous recently, and looks set to have what it takes to inherit the captain’s armband at the end of the season. This was a mixed evening for Henderson though. His off the ball work was exemplary as always, chasing down everything, winning tackles and breaking down play. However, he wasn’t quite able to exert his usual influence and struggled to dictate the midfield as he did in the first leg. He was lucky not to be sent off for a second bookable offence following a clear handball, and should have equalised for Liverpool as he sent a header way wide with an open goal gaping. Was moved to right wing back towards the latter stages of the game, where he is far less influential offensively, but his defensive contribution was superb and kept Hazard out the game. If there’s one thing he needs to improve, it’s putting the ball in the back of the net.
Alberto Moreno – 7/10
This was another decent night’s work from the Spaniard who looks at home on the left side of midfield. His pace and tirelessness up and down the wing is a great asset, and he performed his defensive duties well. Made an excellent run into the Chelsea box early on to latch on to Gerrard’s through ball and was unfortunate to see his powerful drive saved by the outstanding Courtois. Was substituted late on as Rodgers went all out in attack.
Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Sensational again. Coutinho is enjoying his most consistent run of form since joining Liverpool 2 years ago. Week in week out, he is phenomenal. He does it against the very best teams as well. Here he made a mockery of Fabregas and Matic in the Chelsea midfield. They could not cope with the Brazilian’s footwork, acceleration, agility and splendid first touch. The way he drifts past players is incredible, and he was so close to opening the scoring after beating four Chelsea men with a mesmerizing dribble in the first half, only for a slightly weak finish to be blocked by Courtois. His pressing and tackling is also brilliant for a player of his small stature. The one area he needs to brush up on is his shooting- if he can add goals to his game, Coutinho has the ability to reach the very top level.
Steven Gerrard – 6/10
Playing on the right of the attacking trio, Gerrard’s lack of pace was obvious going forward, and I think once Sturridge returns Gerrard will struggle to nail down a starting spot in this side, as the system requires a fluidity of movement which he doesn’t have any more. However, his eye for a pass is still exceptional, and Gerrard created a couple of fantastic chances for team mates, notably the Moreno chance early on. He looked shattered after extra time, quite understandably. Probably more of an impact sub from now on.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Sterling will probably be mightily relieved at Sturridge’s return, more so than anyone else. The 20 year old has had the huge burden placed on his 20 year old shoulders of leading the line as a central striker for the last 2 months. He has done so remarkably well for a player of his relative inexperience, and his pace and trickery caused Chelsea some problems, but unfortunately we was not able to find the net as he did so spectacularly in the 1st leg. Sterling had a great opportunity to put Gerrard through on goal early on but neglected to look up and spot the pass. His finishing was also rushed and wild at times. I’m sure he’ll benefit hugely from reverting to a wider position with Sturridge returning, but this experience and versatility shown in the middle will benefit him moving forwards.
Substitutes
Glen Johnson – 5/10
Came on for the injured Sakho and although not making any glaring errors, Johnson doesn’t look comfortable in a back three. Unconvincing in the air on this occasion and frustrating runs forward and losing the ball left his area of the pitch uncovered. It will be bemusing if he is rewarded with a new contract.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10
Finally, Mario gets his chance, this time off the bench. His effort couldn’t be questioned, but almost everything else could. Had a free shot from 18 yards out in extra time but could only balloon a terrible effort high into the stands. One or two nice touches here and there, but nothing to warrant his place in the team for now. He also lost the ball in the build up to the free kick leading to the Chelsea goal. Things aren’t looking great for Balotelli, and it looks unlikely that Rodgers will play him alongside Sturridge. I’d expect the Italian’s Liverpool career is very much on the ropes.
Rickie Lambert – 5/10
I have no idea why Lambert was brought on instead of Lallana, with Balotelli already on the pitch. It was a last ditch effort to go more direct, but Lambert couldn’t have any meaningful effect on the game.
Red Regista
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