AMRLC) Steven Gerrard – 8.5
After the game, Jamie Carragher made s superb point: “If Gerrard was one of the new signings aged 24 we’d be raving about him, but we judge him at 34 against himself at his peak,” and he’s our right. Despite not doing a huge amount throughout the 90 minutes, Gerrard did what he was supposed to do in the more advanced midfield position – and scored two goals. A clinical header, and yet another freekick. If anything, tonight just makes the fact he’s leaving even sadder. In two matches, Gerrard’s notched four times in 2015. Bravo, skipper.
AMRLC) Coutinho – 8.5
Ignoring the goalscorer, the Brazilian was the best player on the park by a country mile. Coutinho found pockets of space, threaded intricate balls, beat players, and just dictated everything we did going forward. With Adam Lallana injured for a month, he’s going to need to maintain this level.
FC) Rickie Lambert – 4 (Balotelli ’79)
Poor from Lambert. We didn’t play to his strengths, but he is struggling so badly to adapt to the team’s. Little movement, average holdup play, and a weak finish when presented with a chance on goal.
Subs:
Enrique – 6 – got forward, but provided woeful end-product.
Balotelli – 7 – He did more in 11 minutes than Lambert did all game.
Toure – n/a – His last game before going to the African nations. Not noticed during his cameo.
