The three best:
Coutinho
Inches away from a goal of the season contender, Coutinho also played a delightful dink to send Roberto Firmino through. Sadly, a brilliant Antonio Valencia tackle thwarted his Brazilian team-mate. As always in big games, Coutinho was our best chance of snatching victory.
Adam Lallana
Lallana’s impact in the 30 minutes he was on the pitch shows how crucial he is to us. His control and touch were perfect, which is more than can be said of his team-mates last night and the whole dynamism of our offence visibly changed upon his arrival.
Joel Matip
You’d have to say he won his battle with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which is no mean feat. The Cameroonian also stepped out of defence and played the excellent through-ball to Can which almost led to a goal. A brilliant free transfer.
The three worst:
Emre Can
A difficult night for Can, which showed how important Gini Wijnaldum has become to us. The German was sloppy, made poor decisions and failed to establish control of a hectic midfield. Will do well to retain his place with the Dutchman back, although it was Can’s first full 90 in five months and he’ll need time.
Loris Karius
Karius kept a clean-sheet, Liverpool’s first of the campaign, but he flapped at crosses and almost caused us to concede by passing straight to Paul Pogba at the back. It’s going to take time for the German to settle in England, that much seems clear.
Daniel Sturridge
Not entirely Sturridge’s fault as he was isolated for much of the hour he was on the field, but the forward offered very little creatively or more worryingly – in terms of decisive attacking movement.