Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season continued with a frustrating 1-1 draw with Sean Dyche’s Burnley at Anfield. In similar fashion to Wednesday’s game with Sevilla, the Reds dominated possession and shots, but couldn’t find the cutting edge to earn them the three points.
Here are my player ratings from an afternoon of missed opportunities in L4.
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
No blame can be attached to the Belgian keeper for the goal, as he later underlined why Klopp so vehemently reassured everyone that he is the number one this week. A superb save to deny Ben Mee from close range in the second half prevented a bad day from turning into a disastrous one.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5/10
A series of below-par displays from the young right back continued here. TAA, as he is affectionately known, was at fault for the goal, beaten far too easily by Robbie Brady. He nearly cost us again late on when Mee almost won the game for Burnley. A solid attacking performance though, with one or two exceptional crosses into the box, sadly without a willing recipient.
Joel Matip – 5/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
An unconvincing day for the centre half. Was mixed up with Klavan as Chris Wood got the better of him. Redeemed himself in the second half with an excellent clearance on the line as Mee’s header came precariously close. Some good, strong runs forward into the opposition half.
Ragnar Klavan – 5/10
Another one who’s decision making can be questioned for the Burnley goal. The Estonian defender moves far too close to Wood, leaving eventual scorer Scott Arfield free. Started to make amends with a vital interception in the second half as the away side countered.
Andy Robertson – 6/10
Can consider himself unfortunate as he was ignored when in a good wide position on a number of occasions in the first half. When he finally did get the opportunity, his delivery was good. Solid defensively and prevented Gudmundsson from having a tap in, though didn’t offer as much as Moreno going forward.
James Milner – 5/10
Back in his preferred midfield position, but didn’t really flourish. Put in two excellent balls, one for Sturridge and one for Alexander-Arnold, but neither could make the most of the situation. The number seven had a good volley blocked too. Overall though didn’t impact the game enough from a creative point of view and gave the ball away a number of times.
Emre Can – 5/10
Played deeper as the number six, I was looking forward to seeing his performance today. However he struggled to get into the game, giving away a few needless fouls. However, very precise ball to Salah for the goal, and dealt with the aerial threat of Burnley well.
Philippe Coutinho – 6/10
A first competitive start of the season for Coutinho. Showed plenty of nice touches and skill, but his decision making and shooting was well off, resorting to unlikely strikes from long distance as the team as a whole struggled to fine tune the end product. Good to see him back in the team and will become a crucial element to Liverpool’s play as the season progresses.
Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
A very well taken goal to equalise just after Burnley’s opener. In the absence of Mane, Salah was the outlet for Liverpool to attack with pace. Involved in every Liverpool attack, but once again selfishness could be levelled at him. Felt he was fouled in the build up to Solanke’s chance, but he referee was not interested.
Roberto Firmino – 5/10
A tough day for Firmino, pushed out wide to accommodate Daniel Sturridge’s inclusion. Tried to drift inside and make runs for his fellow attackers, but struggled to really get involved. Worked hard as always and pressed well, winning the ball back on a few occasions in the first half.
Daniel Sturridge – 5/10
Showed he wasn’t quite match sharp with a few lapse touches, but was largely feeding off scraps. Had a few half chances, but for whatever reason, the ball wasn’t quite falling for him today. Came closest with a shot which crashed into the side netting.
Substitutes
Dominic Solanke – 5/10
Only got twelve minutes but had some impact, winning a few balls. Should’ve scored late on from three yards out.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 4/10
Question marks have to be presented to Klopp about his lack of gametime so far, surely he should’ve started ahead of Milner, considering we brought him in to play CM? Was given a measly twelve minutes, and unsurprisingly made very little impact.
At the end of the month, I will be collating all of the month’s player ratings to produce September’s squad rankings article. To check out my August squad rankings, click here: http://fanscorners.com/liverpool-squad-rankings-august-2017/
Daniel Daykin
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