After a disappointing 0-0 in the Merseyside Derby, this was a truly brilliant game to watch, made even better by the Reds gaining a vital 3 points against an in form Spurs side in the battle for fourth place, courtesy of a late winner from a rather unlikely source. Here’s how our individual players performed.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
There was no clean sheet this time, but it wasn’t Mignolet’s wrong doing. He continues to look a changed man in goal, and made one spectacular save to tip Lamela’s powerful strike over the bar at a crucial point in the second half. There was the one nervy moment when he appeared to trip Harry Kane in the box after the ball had gone out of play which could have resulted in a penalty for Spurs. Aside from this instance, it was a decent performance by the Belgian.
Emre Can – 9/10
I think we’re all starting to run out of superlatives to describe the big German. Is there anything he can’t do? After paying what looks like an absolute steal at £9 million for Emre Can, we knew we had a player with potential but I don’t think we expected him to be just this good already. Can was imperious at the back, cutting out passes (4 interceptions, the most of any player) and making strong tackles, including a spectacular block to deny a certain Eriksen goal. He then took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half when moved into midfield, giving pace, power and strength as well as superb technical ability. His performance was summed up by one lung bursting run after winning possession on the edge of Liverpool’s area before sprinting the entire length of the pitch and out-pacing Kyle Walker before being fouled. Can was my man of the match here, and if he continues like this, and there’s no reason to suggest he won’t, we’ll have a top class player in the future.
Martin Skrtel – 8/10
Despite the defence conceding twice, Skrtel hardly put a foot wrong. I feel like he’s actually been slightly under-praised recently, as his performances have been very consistent. In this game Skrtel was a rock, winning important aerial duels and for the most part dealing well with the on fire hit-man in Harry Kane. This central position in a back three seems to have brought out the best in the Slovakian.
Mamadou Sakho – 6/10
Having become a permanent fixture in the side, Sakho defended well again for the majority of the game, as his reading of the play and his passing remains top notch. However, he did get wrong footed allowing Kane to score the first goal, and almost let Dembele through on the counter when caught in possession near the half way line, only to prevent danger from developing courtesy of an amusing tactical yellow.
Jordon Ibe – 8/10
Many Liverpool fans questioned the decision of recalling Ibe from Derby in January but I think any doubts have been blown away now. It’s abundantly clear why Rodgers wanted him back. For him to start a second consecutive game, especially one of this magnitude against strong opposition, aged 19 and in an unfamiliar position, and to perform as well as he did is just fantastic. He caused Danny Rose nightmares all game down the right hand side, driving forward with blistering pace. His decision making further up the pitch is also very intelligent for such a young player. He’s making an instant impact in the first team in big games. What a talent we have on our hands.
Steven Gerrard – 5/10
Gerrard was the man tasked with replacing the injured Lucas, but he struggled once more. Gerrard doesn’t have the positional awareness to protect the defence, nor does he have the legs to press and cover the necessary ground in a game of this pace. He converted the penalty with his usual aplomb, but it’s becoming clearer than ever that his presence on the pitch itself will not be missed as much as had been feared when his decision to leave was announced. The central midfield area is in sore need of improvement in the summer, for sure.
Jordan Henderson – 5/10
Henderson didn’t have one of his best games, and he’s seemed slightly off the pace in the last couple of weeks. I’m sure it’s only a minor blip in form, because he’s still a quality player, but he was unable to control the midfield and was bypassed too many times along with Gerrard, whilst his passing was rushed and inaccurate at times. His license to go forward was limited as well by having to provide extra defensive cover in Lucas’ absence and make up ground for the tiring Gerrard.
Alberto Moreno – 8/10
This was one of Moreno’s best performances in a Liverpool shirt. He’s been consistent and steady recently, but this was a really fine night for the Spaniard. His tracking back was excellent and he helped double up with Sakho to deal with the overlapping Walker, making a few brilliant interceptions and tackles. He got forward with pace as always, and showed some really nice footwork and skill to maintain possession.
Philippe Coutinho – 6/10
Coutinho picked up a knock against Everton and perhaps would not have started this game if Lallana or Sterling were fully fit to play. He seemed slightly subdued and wasn’t his usual menacing self, although it didn’t matter too much and chances were still created. He could perhaps benefit from a rest against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Lazar Markovic – 8/10
Playing in a more advanced role in a front three for the first time, Markovic turned in a fantastic display here. He took his goal well with a left footed finish into the corner, even if Lloris could have maybe done better, taking the Serb’s tally up to three goals for the season. His pressing, pace and energy were excellent as well. He’s been a slow burner, but the signs are there to suggest he’s got a lot to give in the future.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Starting for the first time in over 5 months, you could tell Sturridge wasn’t quite at 100% fitness just yet. He was unlucky not to score a couple of goals and had a fine back heel attempt hit the post. He took Mignolet’s long ball down superbly to help set up Markovic for the opener, before showing some fine trickery to draw the penalty in the second half. This was a good 70 minutes of fitness gained for Sturridge, and even when not at his sharpest, he still proved a real handful for the Spurs back line.
Substitutes
Adam Lallana – 7/10
Lallana replaced Markovic with just 10 minutes to go, and had the perfect impact as he delivered a perfect low cross for Balotelli to smash in the winner. He would benefit from a consistent run of games, as his form as been on and off this season. His quality is undoubted though, and to have a player of his class to bring off the bench is a great asset.
Dejan Lovren – 7/10
Lovren has come in for a huge amount of criticism in his Liverpool career to date, and has been frozen out of the side for the last few months. He replaced Gerrard early in the second half, allowing Can to move into midfield. Playing on the right of the back three, in a position which does not come naturally to him, the £20m defender coped admirably and helped the defence stay solid towards the end of the game, winning several battles and keeping the ball well.
Mario Balotelli – 8/10
I must admit, I grimaced when Balotelli replaced Sturridge with 15 minutes to go. When you need a goal, you would not think Balotelli is the man to bring on given his dismal season so far. Yet I couldn’t have been more wrong, and ultimately he’s the reason we got the 3 points, getting on the end of Lallana’s pass to smash the ball into the roof of the net from close range to win the game with 5 minutes to spare. There was to be no celebration from the Italian, but he at least gave a flicker of hope that he’s not finished just yet in a Liverpool shirt. Not a bad way to open his Premier League account.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Red Regista
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Good article, the way we play the game now is very positive, and it’s only matter of time for the positive result to come. Although there’s still some loop hole need to be tighten but I think BR will sort it out in his usually way to make things right.
My guess for the next game we’ll see Lovren as CB and Can will be side by side with Hendo controlling the midfield area 🙂