After an anticlimactic and rather uninspiring goalless draw at Goodison Park, here’s how our players performed.
Simon Mignolet – 8/10
Another comfortable display by the Belgian. He continues his improved form and appears confident in the air. Made a couple of smart saves to keep yet another clean sheet, although he wasn’t truly troubled over the 90 minutes.
Emre Can – 8/10
Emre Can was probably Liverpool’s best player on this occasion, and in my opinion he’s been our best new signing from the summer. He kept Lukaku and Mirallas quiet all game, and drove forward with power and purpose. He continues to impress at centre back, although Lucas’ injury could see him move alongside Henderson in midfield, with Lovren perhaps set to be given another chance in defence.
Martin Skrtel – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Skrtel seems to have cut out the defensive errors which have been a problem in the past. This was another assured, no nonsense performance from the Slovakian. He won numerous headers, cleared his lines well, and ensured that Lukaku was afforded little opportunity in front of goal. It’s good to see him find this level of consistency, because when he’s playing well, Skrtel is a very solid defender.
Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
Sakho has been in excellent form recently, but this was one of his poorest games since being reintroduced into the side a couple of months ago. He defended well enough, but put the team in danger on a couple of occasions with some stray passes out from the back, trying to overplay when being pressed by the opposition. Usually Sakho is very good on the ball, so this shouldn’t be a concern. Ultimately, it was another clean sheet and no harm done.
Jordon Ibe – 8/10
I was delighted and surprised when I saw that Rodgers had picked Ibe to start in the Merseyside Derby. He was on loan at Derby until last month, and when thrown into this hotly contested rivalry, the 19 year old looked perfectly at home at this level. He drove forward with pace, and was extremely unlucky not to find the back of the net with a 25 yard belter which crashed of the post in the first half. Perhaps what was even more admirable was his positional intelligence and defensive discipline which he carried out diligently. He took his chance with both hands and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a lot more of Ibe during the remainder of this season. Markovic certainly has some tough competition to stay in the side from now on.
Lucas Leiva – N/A
Unfortunately Lucas was subbed off with an injury after 10 minutes which was noticeable for the remainder of the game. In his absence the team lacked balance and authority in the centre of the pitch. Hopefully it’s not too serious because he is vital to this side at the moment.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Henderson gave his usual determination and energy here. He was effective in breaking up the play, but at times he was too frantic in his passing and lacked his usual composure on the ball. His attacking influence was held back by having to cover defensively after Lucas went off injured.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
After a few erratic defensive displays earlier in the season, Moreno seems to have settled in nicely in this wing back role. As usual, his pace was put to good use and he helped to prevent Seamus Coleman from causing too many problems down the Everton right. He supported the attack well, but a lack of an orthodox striker meant his crosses often found a blue shirt, rather than a red.
Steven Gerrard – 5/10
This was Gerrard’s final Merseyside Derby, so Rodgers was always going to start him. In my opinion this was the wrong decision, especially given he played a full 90 minutes against Bolton in midweek. Gerrard looked laboured here, and his passing and set pieces were not accurate enough. He was, however, unlucky to see a spectacular bicycle kick attempt be headed over the bar by a defender. Our attack loses its pace and fluidity when Gerrard plays in a front 3, and although it’s tough to admit, Gerrard is not good enough to be starting games for us anymore. It’s the sad truth.
Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
Coutinho has been sensational recently, but wasn’t quite up to his usual magic on this occasion. Having said that, he did still create 5 chances- more than any other player, before strangely being substituted for Sturridge. Hopefully it was only a tactical change or a minor knock, because we need to keep Coutinho fit with the crucial fixture against Spurs on Tuesday.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Sterling worked hard as a striker until Sturridge came on, but his shooting was off target in this game. He showed some nice touches and trickery around the edge of the box but was unable to break the deadlock before being substituted for Lambert later on as Rodgers attempted a more direct approach in the final minutes.
Substitutes
Joe Allen – 5/10
Allen replaced Lucas in central midfield after 10 minutes following the Brazilian’s injury. Although he didn’t do a lot wrong, Allen’s contribution defensively and offensively is somewhat lacking, and he was unable to impose himself on proceedings. Personally, I think he looks out of place in this Liverpool side.
Daniel Sturridge – 6/10
Sturridge replaced Coutinho with just over half an hour to spare, although I feel Sturridge would have been more effective had Coutinho remained on the pitch. Sturridge was a little rusty on this occasion, which is completely to be expected. At the moment, it’s about getting him back to full match fitness so he can start games again. It’s great to have him back.
Rickie Lambert – 5/10
Came on for Sterling late on in a last ditch attempt to steal a goal, but to no avail, and missed a half chance when dragging a shot wide from just inside the area.
Red Regista
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