Kolo Toure and Lucas impress again as Liverpool were held by Sunderland, read the player ratings…
Liverpool 0-0 Sunderland – A Brendan Rodgers side that was without captain Steven Gerrard, who was dropped to the bench ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League with Basel, were held to a dull draw by the Black Cats.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 7
One excellent save to deny Jordi Gomez, pushing his shot around the post in the final ten minutes. His frustrating inconsistencies continued, but it was a good day for the Belgian today.
RB) Glen Johnson – 6
A mixed day for the full-back, who combined some excellent moments with some truly woeful touches. His future at the club continues to look in doubt.
LB) Alberto Moreno – 6
Looked decent on his return to the team, but wasted several opportune moments to cross the ball into the box, and needs to work on that area of his game.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 5
Made his 200th Premier League for Liverpool today, but will be criticised for giving away too many fouls and for inviting unnecessary pressure on more than one occasion.
CB) Kolo Toure – 8
Another excellent defensive performance from a man that was a complete outcast at Anfield six months ago – he now looks Liverpool’s most important defender, ensuring another clean sheet this afternoon.
CM) Lucas Leiva – 7
Another decent performance from the Brazilian, who like Toure has been something of a revelation since his return to the starting line-up. All over the pitch today.
CM)Jordan Henderson – 5
A skied effort late on summed up a difficult day for Liverpool’s vice-captain, who had little to shout about come the full-time whistle.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 6
Should have done better after being set up by a wonderful solo run from Raheem Sterling. Replaced by Markovic with a little over ten minutes left on the clock.
RW) Raheem Sterling – 7
Worked hard and made one exception run. Once again he was Liverpool’s best attacking player, but he looked tired late on and faded at the crucial time.
LW) Adam Lallana – 6
A quiet afternoon for the former Southampton man, a couple of decent touches, but failed to threaten consistently, and was withdrawn with over 20 minutes remaining.
ST) Rickie Lambert – 5
Did a decent job of leading the line, but was frustratingly isolated for much of the day, and was left to jump for some long range passes.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 6
Rested his captain ahead of his team’s crucial Champions League game against Basel, and a point always looked the most likely outcome.
Subs:
1) Steven Gerrard – 6 – Liverpool looked better for his introduction, but he couldn’t force a winner.
2) Lazar Markovic – 6 – Looked decent during his short time on the pitch, and maybe did enough to earn a bigger chance.