Liverpool player ratings v Bournemouth: Sturridge and Allen brilliant in 2-1 win

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Here’s how we rated the players following Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth away from home today…

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(Video) Firmino & Sturridge bag v Bournemouth in one sided first-half

GK) Danny Ward – 6/10

Rushed out of his goal well, and although he didn’t have much to do, put in a largely solid Premier League debut. Didn’t deal with aerial balls too well but made one great save from a header in the second-half.

DR) Connor Randall – 6/10

Surprisingly started ahead of Jon Flanagan, who wasn’t injured. Randall was poor going forward, although he was mostly good defensively. Not a long-term option, for us.

DL) Brad Smith – 7/10

Constantly overlapped Ibe ahead of him, although Smith’s end product was poor. His effort was not, and his energy up the left flank helped us stretch the hosts.

DC) Kolo Toure (Sakho 69′) – 7/10

Very good at the back. Toure read the game well and made some blocks at the heart of defence. He makes up for his lack of pace with clever positioning as well as anyone.

DC) Lucas – 6/10

A nervy start for Lucas, but the Brazilian improved as he got to grips with the centre-back position. Josh King’s pace caused him problems, but Lucas’s passing from the back was really impressive. At the death, his poor judgement saw Bournemouth score a goal.

MC) Kevin Stewart – 6/10

Stewart gave the ball away a few times, but intercepted Bournemouth’s passes too. Nothing flashy, but solid in the middle. Provides good balance next to Allen.

MC) Joe Allen – 9/10

Completely ran the game from central midfield. Allen still hasn’t been awarded a new contract, but he simply must be. The Welshman played incisive passes, tackled and blocked relentlessly and put in a truly brilliant performance.

AMR) Sheyi Ojo – 7.5/10

Strong, direct running from Ojo, in an overall improved showing from the Stoke win. Skinned two players alive during one run, but his end product left a little to be desired. Still, at 18, he’s showing huge promise – and grew into the game as it went on.

AML) Jordon Ibe (Lallana 78′) – 7/10 

Ibe assisted Sturridge’s headed goal from a set-piece, and did well on his return to the first-team lineup. Importantly, he did his defensive duties, backing up Smith and pressing Bournemouth’s wide players.

AMC) Roberto Firmino (Origi 75′) – 6/10 

Firmino tapped in from close-range to give us the lead, but was mostly off colour in the first-half. Still, he’s not long back from injury and today’s runout will help him reach his terrific best level.

FC) Daniel Sturridge – 8/10

Scored, hit the post twice and had a back-heeled effort which led to Firmino’s goal. Sturridge was superb today. He looked incredibly dangerous every time he got on the ball, and was unlucky to only bag once.

SUBS:

Mamadou Sakho – 6/10 – A bit shaky upon introduction.

Adam Lallana – 7/10 – Showed off his outrageous feet during his cameo.

Divock Origi – n/a

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