Liverpool returned to the Brittania hoping to put the memories of that disastrous 6-1 thrashing from 11 weeks ago fully in the past. With 4 new faces named in the starting XI, it was a new-look Liverpool side and a totally different type of game to the previous encounter. With 5 minutes to go, it looked as if it would end as a sluggish, dull 0-0 draw before a trademark 30 yard belter from Coutinho snatched all 3 points- what a way to start the season. Here’s how our players performed.
Simon Mignolet- 6/10
liverpoolfc.com
Hardly had to make any saves of note. His catching was confident and reliable, claiming high balls with authority. He was put under pressure a couple of times by some short back passes but he coped well. His kicking was generally accurate, finding the head of Benteke with regularity.
Nathaniel Clyne- 7/10
A very solid debut performance by the new right back. Although Clyne didn’t get forward as much as we saw in pre-season, he supported Ibe well down the right wing. Most impressively, his defending was spot on, winning 100% of his attempted tackles and aerial duels and making an important intervention to divert a dangerous free kick from reaching Diouf inside the penalty area. He read the game intelligently, making well timed interceptions and used he the ball well. Already looks a significant upgrade on Glen Johnson.
Martin Skrtel- 6/10
For the most part, Skrtel put in a decent performance, winning headers and clearing danger with his no nonsense style, helping to keep a clean sheet. However, he almost sold Mignolet short with a precarious back-pass and at times looked nervy in possession. He was also booked for a rash challenge. Came close with a header from Milner’s corner in the second half.
Dejan Lovren- 8/10
Comfortably Lovren’s best performance in a Liverpool shirt. The Croatian has received plenty of deserved criticism following his torrid debut campaign for the Reds, and many were bemoaning his selection today. He responded in exactly the right manner with a commanding display. Lovren was very strong in the air, minimising any opportunities for Stoke, whilst his passing was neat and tidy. For the first time in a while, there were no real errors on show. He needs to continue this level consistently to regain credit, but this was a promising start if there is to be a revival.
Joe Gomez- 6/10
Considering this was the 18 year old’s first ever Premier League game, and he was playing in an unfamiliar position, it was an assured display by the ex-Charlton defender. He won all 3 of his attempted tackles and was a strong presence at the back, also providing the pass from which Coutinho scored the winner. There were however some nervy moments including a late challenge which earned him a booking, but that is too be expected with his lack of experience. Whether Moreno gets a chance next game remains to be seen but Gomez did no harm to his chances here and did not look out of his depth.
Jordan Henderson- 6/10
liverpoolfc.com
The new captain was his usual hard-working self, helping to win back possession multiple times and keeping things ticking through the middle of the park. Some of his long range passing was superb, but at times his final ball was forced and inaccurate. Playing in a disciplined, deeper role as part of a double-pivot in the first half, Henderson’s attacking influence was limited, but he began to affect the game more after the introduction of Emre Can and the switch to 4-3-3 enabled him to play with more freedom. A well timed forward run saw him latch on to Milner’s chipped through ball but Henderson’s cross failed to find Benteke.
James Milner- 6/10
Much like Henderson, Milner didn’t stop running and launching himself into tackles, although he earned a booking for an over-enthusiastic sliding challenge. His use of the ball was neat and accurate, and he also benefited from Can’s presence which meant he could press further up the field rather than sit in front of the defence. Overall, a competent, efficient but unspectacular debut.
Jordon Ibe- 5/10
Having earned his place in the side after an impressive pre-season, Ibe was direct and offered pace down the right wing, but he was unable to influence the game as much as he would have liked, often finding himself crowded out and unable to find space out wide. Nonetheless, his work-ethic was admirable and he tracked back well, but his end product wasn’t lacking on this occasion. Replaced by Firmino with 15 minutes to go.
Philippe Coutinho- 7/10
liverpoolfc.com
Until the 86th minute, Coutinho was having one of his more average games by his very high standards. His footwork was clever and skilful as usual, but he couldn’t find the final ball and was guilty of losing possession and ballooning a volley high into the stands. But with 4 minutes of normal time remaining, his class showed through as he collected Gomez’ pass, spinning away from Sidwell before launching an unstoppable curling shot bast Butland into the top corner to win the game. A moment of magic from a truly special player to transform an uninspiring 0-0 draw into an important away victory.
Adam Lallana- 4/10
After a strong pre-season, this was a disappointing display by Lallana. Operating from the left, he struggled to influence proceedings and was largely anonymous. Admittedly, Liverpool’s first half performance lacked tempo on the whole, but Lallana was ineffective throughout, failing to find Benteke with several hopeful balls into the box. We know he has quality and can certainly do better- he’ll need to if he wants to keep his place in the side, with Firmino looking lively with a brief cameo towards the end. Replaced by Emre Can after 63 minutes.
Christian Benteke- 6/10
A lot of eyes were on Benteke after his £32.5 million move, and it was a difficult day for the Belgian as Stoke’s defence marked him closely, careful not to afford him any time on the ball such is his threat. Regardless, Benteke won plenty of headers, offering a genuine focal point for the attack. He was somewhat isolated at times and didn’t have much service to feed off, but when he had the ball his first touch was very good and his passing was crisp. A decent debut given the circumstances, but Liverpool must create more clear cut opportunities to get the most from Benteke.
Substitutes
Emre Can- 7/10
A real game changer. Can replaced Lallana with half an hour to go, joining Henderson and Milner in midfield as Rodgers switched to a 4-3-3 system. Can brought balance to the team and helped shift the impetus in Liverpool’s favour, releasing the shackles for Henderson and Milner and the German’s imposing presence was key in regaining control of the midfield battle. He also put in a crucial and perfectly timed slide tackle after tracking back to prevent a dangerous Stoke attack. Surely has to start vs Bournemouth.
Roberto Firmino- 6/10
We only got a brief glimpse of our new £29 million signing as he replaced Ibe for the final 15 minutes. In this short display, Firmino looked sharp and agile with some classy touches and skilful dribbling. His work rate was also clear to see and he certainly added a new creative dimension to the attack. Fitness permitting, he should also be in line for a starting position vs Bournemouth.
Red Regista
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