After the spectacular fashion in which Liverpool secured 3 points late on last weekend at the Brittania, this proved to be a rather different affair. The newly promoted Bournemouth side had genuine pace up front and played a stylish brand of football, showing no fear in their first Premier League visit to Anfield. After a nervy start for the Reds which saw Bournemouth’s Tommy Elphick have his goal disallowed in controversial circumstances, Liverpool grew into the game and were in control for most of the 90 minutes. It took a first goal from Christian Benteke in front of the Kop in the first half to secure the win, yet again thanks to a dubious refereeing decision involving Coutinho’s offside position, despite not touching the ball. Nonetheless, that’s 2 wins from 2 with no goals conceded- a solid start to the season indeed. Here’s how our players performed.
Simon Mignolet- 7/10
For all Bournemouth’s endeavour, they rarely tested Mignolet who was a spectator for the majority of the game. On the few occasions when a high ball was whipped into the box, he was alert and on guard to either catch or punch away the danger to keep a consecutive clean sheet to start the season.
Nathaniel Clyne- 8/10
Clyne was my man of the match with a terrific individual display. His reading of the game was spot on, whilst the timing of his tackles was inch-perfect too. Unlike previous right backs we’ve had in the past, Clyne sees the danger before it develops and cuts it out, getting on with his job quietly and efficiently. It’s refreshing to have a full back whose first instinct is to defend, but Clyne’s pace and ability to drive forward into attacking positions was also on show here, and he was unlucky not to have an assist to his name after Benteke hit the bar late on from Clyne’s excellent cross. £12.5 million already looks a bargain.
Martin Skrtel- 5/10
Once again, Skrtel was far from convincing. At times he was shaky and ponderous in possession, playing under-hit and risky passes in dangerous areas of the pitch. He covered his aerial duties well enough, but right now he looks less than assured at the back. With a tougher test awaiting against Arsenal next week, he will have to up his game.
Dejan Lovren- 6/10
It wasn’t a faultless display by any means, but in general Lovren continued his improved performance level after last week at Stoke. In the 5th minute, Bournemouth felt hard done by as Elphick’s header was disallowed for a foul on Lovren. After the game, Eddie Howe said it was ‘very soft’, although I can see why the referee awarded the foul. The defender had both hands on Lovren’s shoulders and used him as leverage to reach the ball, preventing Lovren from jumping himself. 50-50 perhaps, but he got away with it, and for the rest of the game Lovren used the ball simply but accurately, whilst he was courageous and strong to win headers and make important interceptions. Like Skrtel, he will need to prove himself against Arsenal, but it’s a good start to the season so far by Lovren.
Joe Gomez- 7/10
The 18-year-old continues to impress at left back with another solid display. Much like Clyne, his ability to read the danger and be in the right position to prevent attacks from developing is excellent, especially for such a young player. His strength in the tackle and in the air were also impressive, and although not quite as polished as Clyne going forward, Gomez looks a capable full back already at this level and he will be fully put to the test against the likes of Alexis Sanchez next week.
Jordan Henderson- 7/10
Another quietly impressive performance by the captain in the first half, as he dictated the tempo with his range of short and long passes as well as his usual industry and pressing to win possession for his team. His perfectly whipped cross led to Benteke’s winning goal, and his calm influence in the midfield was missed after he had to be withdrawn early in the second half due to a foot injury.
James Milner- 7/10
He just didn’t stop running all game long. For 90 minutes Milner was a constant pest for Bournemouth, sprinting to press the ball, forcing the opposition to rush into misplaced passes. His attitude and desire are exemplary, and his work on the ball was also effective as he linked well with Clyne and Coutinho at times with some slick passing moves. He could, however, do with some extra free kick practice as we saw near the end.
Philippe Coutinho- 7/10
There was no 30-yard thunderbolt this time from the Brazilian, but the way in which he pulled the strings in the first half was a joy to watch. His ability to bypass opponents with his superb dribbling looks effortless, and there were a couple of delightful chipped through balls to Jordon Ibe down the left. However, his passing was at times inaccurate and he missed a glaring opportunity to double the lead in the first half from close range as he skewed his shot wide. In the second half he had another good chance having been set up by Benteke, but Coutinho’s first touch took the ball into the air and his volley was blocked. Even when not at the top of his game he is still by far the most gifted and creative player on the pitch.
Jordon Ibe- 6/10
This was an improvement on his performance last week at Stoke, as Ibe had more of the ball and better opportunities to run at defenders and use his pace to good effect. He was busy and industrious, working hard to get up and down the wing, but it is clear that his end product both in terms of shooting and crossing still leaves much to be desired at this level.
Adam Lallana- 6/10
After the game I saw plenty of tweets from fans expressing their discontent at Lallana’s performance, claiming he was ‘terrible’. Although I agree that last week he was anonymous and ineffectual, I would have to disagree on this occasion. At times, his decision making is rather strange, as he will often beat an opponent only to turn back into trouble and slow attacking moves down. He needs to release the ball quicker. However, especially in the second half following Henderson’s departure, Lallana stepped up his level and won back possession numerous times in key areas and drove the team forwards with some excellent runs. His movement is also clever, but he needs to contribute in the final third far more consistently throughout the 90 minutes rather than the occasional flash of skill.
Christian Benteke- 8/10
What a way to start your Liverpool career- to score the winner in front of the Kop on your home debut. Benteke made an excellent impression here, going some way towards silencing the doubters after his £32.5 million move. His goal showed exactly the kind of anticipation we missed last season, as he stole in at the back post to poke the ball into the net. He was unlucky to see his shot bounce on to the bar in stoppage time to deny him a brace. Having a striker who gets in these positions in the penalty box makes a huge difference. Benteke’s all-round display was impressive too, as his footwork and link up play were superb. The way he held the ball up to start off attacks from long balls was unusual for a Rodgers side, but very effective. His willingness to press, make runs in behind and win the ball back were clear to see, whilst he pulled off a couple of fantastic long range passes to switch the play. He has already shown that he is much more than a target-man whilst also offering a strong presence in the air, giving a whole new dimension to this Liverpool side.
Substitutes
Emre Can- 6/10
Replacing the injured Henderson on 52 minutes, Can slotted into defensive midfield well, making some robust challenges and some trademark powerful runs up-field. Fitness permitting, his physical presence will be much needed against Arsenal from the start. He needs to prove his credentials in midfield against high calibre opposition.
Roberto Firmino- 6/10
Replacing Ibe for the final 20 minutes, Firmino didn’t see much of the ball as Bournemouth piled forward in search of an equaliser. There were some nice touches here and there, but we’ll be hoping for a first full sight of his true ability next week as he nears full match fitness.
Alberto Moreno- N/A
Moreno only played the last 9 minutes, replacing Coutinho, and he was absolutely superb at left wing. His energy and tenacity were important in seeing the game out, closing down opponents at will. He also made a couple of fantastic solo runs, showcasing his attacking talents. Gomez may have the left back spot for now, but the attitude shown by Moreno was great to see- full of enthusiasm rather than sulking at losing his place. He will get a chance at some point during the season, and based on this showing, the idea of playing him as a winger is certainly something to consider.
Red Regista
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