We rate the Liverpool players for their performances against Swansea City…
Liverpool 4-1 Swansea City – The Reds moved up to eighth with a thoroughly dominant performance at Anfield, with a brace from Adam Lallana, a goal from Alberto Moreno, and an own goal from Jonjo Shelvey deciding the game.
Gylfi Sigurdsson briefly made it 2-1, but Swansea were otherwise well beaten, as Liverpool produced a performance reminiscent of their run to second place in the Premier League last season.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 5
Thrust back into the starting line up after an injury to Brad Jones, Mignolet had little to do but his kicking was once again poor.
RCB) Emre Can – 8
Given a start in a central defensive role and was excellent, read the game well and his ability to start moves from the back was a real asset to his side.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 6
French international Sakho now seems to be a regular in the Liverpool defence – he was solid, but sometimes a little shaky in possession.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7
A dominant display from Skrtel, who was also a huge threat from attacking set pieces. The only blemish was a silly yellow card that rules him out of the New Year’s Day game with Leicester City.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 6
With his side dominating most of the game, it was only really a job of sweeping up that was needed from Lucas – but he did it well.
RWB)Javier Manquillo – 6
Quiet on the right flank, but equally managed to keep his opponent Wayne Routledge on the periphery of the action.
LWB) Alberto Moreno – 7
Scored the first goal, but other than that it was similar to Manquillo – solid defensively but not regularly involved.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7
An efficient and determined central midfield display from Henderson, who was busy off the ball and creative on it.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 8
Along with Lallana, found enough space to pick Swansea apart, particularly in the second half, and had the end product to match.
AM) Adam Lallana – 9
Man of the match. Scored two goals, albeit one of them very fortunate, and generally found the spaces left open by Swansea, exploiting them ruthlessly.
ST) Raheem Sterling – 7
Did well, running the channels effectively and stretching Swansea with his pace, although perhaps could’ve done better with a couple of openings.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 8
Has found a formation that works and will be delighted with his team’s best performance since September.
Subs:
1) Lazar Markovic – 6 – Didn’t really have enough time to make an impact, but a couple of neat passes.
2) Mario Balotelli – 5 – On late after Sterling was lucky to escape a red card.
3) Fabio Borini – 5 – Barely got a touch after coming on.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news