We’ve just got off to a winning start after a dramatic 4-3 win against Arsenal this afternoon.
We were 4-1 up with 25 minutes remaining, but goals from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers gave the Reds a nervy final 15 minutes.
Klopp introduced Can and Stewart, and we held on for the win.
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Here’s how our lads fared on an individual basis:
GK – Simon Mignolet – 7/10: Made a great save from the penalty and could do little about the Arsenal goals. Looked generally solid.
RB – Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10: Clyne is a model of consistency; rarely caught out of position and great on the ball.
CB – Ragnar Klavan – 7.5/10: Despite the defence conceding three goals, Klavan was a commanding presence in the back four. Looks like we might have unearthed a gem.
CB – Dejan Lovren – 7/10: Was a bit unlucky with Arsenal’s deflected second, but arguably shouldn’t have stuck his leg out in the way he did.
LB – Alberto Moreno – 4.5/10: Gave away a ridiculous penalty, was out of position for Walcott’s goal. Improved considerably after the break.
CM – Jordan Henderson – 7.5/10: Still not at his peak, but had a solid game in front of the back four.
CM – Gini Wijnaldum – 7.5/10: Tidy on the ball and showed a few glimpses of his capabilities.
AMC – Adam Lallana – 7/10: His goal masked what was otherwise quite a subdued performance.
AML – Philippe Coutinho – 8/10: Was extremely quiet in the opening 45 minutes, but a stunning goal before the break and a neat second after half-time were the foundations for the win.
AMR – Sadio Mane – 8.5/10: A great debut – fast, direct, a lovely goal, and permanently looked dangerous.
ST – Roberto Firmino – 7/10: Not as involved as he might have hoped to be, but showed an array of nice touches.
SUBS
Emre Can – 7/10: Calmed the game down after we conceded a quick second. Still looked short of full fitness.
Divock Origi – 7/10: Caused some problems in the final ten minutes.
Kevin Stewart – N/A: Only played the last two minutes of normal time.