Liverpool have struggled at times against lower quality opposition at Anfield this season, and following a fantastic victory over Man City on Sunday it was vitally important to consolidate that with another 3 points. Thankfully we did just that, with a comfortable, professional display. Here’s how our players performed.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Simon Mignolet – 8/10
Mignolet claimed his 11th league clean sheet of the season and is currently runner up to Fraser Forster in the race for the golden glove. He is a changed man in 2015, and although hardly being tested by Burnley, his catching and distribution were accomplished, keeping his concentration throughout and proving once more to be a confident, assured presence between the sticks.
Emre Can – 8/10
Pretty much a faultless performance by Can. Despite Burnley’s limited attacking threat, he proved to be a brick wall at the back, whilst he also carried the ball deep into the final third and managed to create two chances- not bad at all for a centre back. He also won all 4 of his aerial duels in a classy individual performance which saw him fit seamlessly into the right wing back position for the latter stages of the game, proving his superb versatility.
Martin Skrtel – 8/10
Skrtel is now enjoying a fine individual campaign in his role as the central component of the back three. He was imperious again, dominating in the air and making 4 blocks and 4 interceptions to help keep another clean sheet, as well as winning 100% of his attempted tackles. He hardly put a foot wrong.
Dejan Lovren – 7/10
It’s taken a while, and he’s still far from proving himself in a Liverpool shirt, but Lovren is slowly starting to adapt to life at Anfield with growing assurance in each game. He’s done very well to put the disappointment of his penalty miss against Besiktas behind him. Here, he looked much calmer on the ball, showing some quality distribution and winning 100% of his attempted tackles and 80% of his aerial duels. There was one risky back pass to Mignolet which threatened to cause trouble but it didn’t come to anything in the end. He’ll face strong competition to keep his place with Sakho’s return imminent.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Operating in a rather unfamiliar role at right wing back, it was no surprise to see Sterling adapt without any problems. He worked tirelessly all game, tracking back whenever necessary and using his pace and trickery to drive at the Burnley defence, although his attacking threat is certainly held back in this role.
Joe Allen – 7/10
Allen followed up his superb performance against Man City with another impressive shift here. His ability to receive the ball from the defence under pressure and spin away to distribute to more attack-minded players was excellent, whilst he played some incisive forward passes which are a welcome addition to his game. He covered plenty of ground to help keep things secure in midfield, and is putting a solid run of form together which he needs to maintain in order to provide competition for that midfield spot when Lucas returns. At the very least, he’s proving to be a very useful and capable squad player.
Jordan Henderson – 9/10
Yes, it was only Burnley, but this is a side who have picked up a draw both at Stamford Bridge and the Etihad this season, and it was Henderson who stepped up to the plate and inspired an assured victory with a fantastic all round display to ensure there would be no dropped points. He opened the scoring for the second game in a row with a terrific 20 yard pile driver, dispatched powerfully into the right hand corner in a fashion reminiscent of Gerrard’s iconic goal against Olympiakos, notching his 5th goal of the season. He then turned provider to send a perfect, curling cross for Sturridge to nod in the second goal, taking his tally up to 11 assists for the season. His captaincy record now stands at 10 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses (6/6 wins in the league). He’s become a genuine top class midfielder and leader.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
On a fairly quiet night for Moreno, he did what he had to do well, which was to provide width, pace and energy down the left flank. Burnley didn’t cause much trouble down the wing, but he was alert to stop any threat developing and stayed disciplined throughout before being substituted for the final 20 minutes.
Adam Lallana – 7/10
Thoroughly deserving of keeping his place after the City game, Lallana showed his undoubted quality once again. His work rate is exemplary, whilst his first touch and close control in tight spaces in and around Burnley’s tightly packed defence was a joy to watch. He is a delightful footballer, and he is starting to get that run of games he needs to find his level consistently.
Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
There was no spectacular 25 yard goal this time, but nonetheless it was another silky display by the Brazilian. He constantly found space, kept things ticking and helped control the tempo with his skilful dribbling and accurate passing. He could have had an assist with a perfect through ball to Sturridge who was denied by a great save. It was Coutinho’s shot which rebounded to Henderson in the build up to the opening goal.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
After going close within the first 20 seconds and then missing two more excellent chances in the first half, Sturridge’s frustration was clear to see. However, as all good goal scorers do, he stayed patient and I was delighted to see him get his goal in the second half- it’s exactly what his confidence needs on his journey back to full fitness. It was a lovely header too, timing his movement to perfection to nod the ball into the corner from Henderson’s pin-point cross.
Substitutes
Kolo Toure – 6/10
Hardly had anything to do for the final 20 minutes, coming on to keep things solid at the back and see the game out without any troubles.
Glen Johnson – N/A
Only played the last 10 minutes to give Sturridge a breather and help the defence stay tight to keep the clean sheet.
Rickie Lambert – N/A
Replaced Sterling for the final 3 minutes in stoppage time.
Red Regista
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