Liverpool have repeatedly struggled to break down compact, defensive sides at Anfield in recent seasons and this West Brom team came to sit deep and frustrate the Reds. Nonetheless, Henderson opened the scoring and Liverpool were in total control until Mignolet’s error allowed Dawson to equalise against the run of play from a corner, and just before half time Olsson saw his close range finish belatedly ruled out for offside. Liverpool continued to control possession in the second half, until Olsson scored from a corner after more calamitous set piece defending by Liverpool. A 96th minute equaliser from substitute Divock Origi rescued a late point, but it was a disappointing result. With 70% possession and 28 shots on goal, it should have been a comfortable win for Liverpool, let down by two moments of sloppy defending. Here’s how I rated our players.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Simon Mignolet- 3/10
Mignolet has a habit of lurching from the sublime to the disastrous. Today we saw him at his very worst, hopelessly flapping at a West Brom corner and failing to catch the ball as Dawson scored the equaliser. Aside from this misjudgement, he looked nervous and risky in possession. It may be harsh, but Mignolet’s mistake was what cost us the win today. Not good enough.
Nathaniel Clyne- 6/10
Didn’t have a huge amount to do defensively and spent most of his time advanced high up the pitch. Made some powerful, energetic forward runs and was involved in some promising linkup play without quite providing the perfect delivery into the box.
Martin Skrtel- 6/10
Solid enough performance by the Slovakian who was relatively untroubled but did the basics well, but was unable to block Dawson’s equaliser on the line.
Dejan Lovren- 6/10
Another decent performance by Lovren who continues to look a far more composed and intelligent player at the back. Read the game well, winning aerial battles and making some strong tackles. It was a great shame to see him stretchered off with a nasty looking knee injury towards the end as this has been the best spell of his Liverpool career to date. Sakho’s impending return will be a boost, but the Croatian has ensured that Sakho’s absence hasn’t been felt too badly.
Alberto Moreno- 7/10
Moreno continues to be one of Liverpool’s strongest performers this season, with another lively and diligent display. Like Clyne, the Spaniard’s involvement was mainly in the attacking third of the pitch, where he made some incisive forward runs, creating 4 chances with some superb deliveries into the box.
Emre Can- 5/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Imposed himself well physically, helping to win back possession and covering plenty of ground. His use of the ball was mostly neat and tidy although there were a few too many misplaced passes. Unable to contribute much in an attacking sense.
James Milner- 5/10
The usual work rate and energy aside, this was a lethargic performance by Milner who continues to frustrate Liverpool fans. His passing was often sloppy and he badly scuffed an excellent shooting opportunity in the second half. He was also lucky to avoid a booking or worse for a dangerous lunging challenge.
Jordan Henderson- 7/10
What a difference Henderson makes to our midfield. His composure on the ball and range of passing helped Liverpool control possession, and he displayed an excellent first touch on several occasions. His decisive, well timed run saw him get on the end of Lallana’s knock down to record his first goal of the season, before he passed to Origi in the build up to the late equaliser. He made a few misplaced passes but this was an impressive return to the starting lineup.
Philippe Coutinho- 6/10
Another welcome return, Coutinho was back in the side after a hamstring injury and immediately looked like Liverpool’s brightest creative spark, helping to link midfield and attack with pace and incision. He had several accurate shots from distance without fully troubling the keeper before being replaced by Ibe after 72 minutes.
Adam Lallana- 6/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Pressed well and was involved in some slick passing moves, creating a good chance for Milner in the first half with a clever pass in the box. He did extraordinarily well to beat Brunt to Coutinho’s lofted ball into the box, cushioning a perfect header for Henderson to score. Should have scored himself in the second half as he shot straight at the keeper after being sent through one-on-one by Benteke.
Christian Benteke- 4/10
Benteke is enduring a rough patch of form, leading many fans to question whether he fits into Klopp’s way of playing. This was further evidence for the case, as the Belgian strikers lack of movement was clear, often dropping deep or picking the ball up out wide instead of making forward runs into the penalty area. He had several glorious opportunities to score, mistiming several headers from close range. Set up Lallana with a neat through ball late on.
Substitutes
Jordon Ibe- 6/10
Replacing Coutinho after 72 minutes, Ibe injected pace and energy into Liverpool’s attack and came close with a long range curling effort which went just wide of the post.
Divock Origi- 7/10
Replacing the injured Lovren after 79 minutes, Origi instantly made more of an impact in this brief cameo than Benteke managed in the whole game, outshining his fellow countryman as he rode a sliding challenge before scoring a 96th minute equaliser with the help of a deflection to salvage a point. Surely deserves to start the next game, assuming Sturridge isn’t fit.
Roberto Firmino- N/A
Was unable to make much of an impression in his brief 12 minute cameo.
Red Regista
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