Liverpool player ratings for the 1-0 win against Sunderland…
Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool – Lazar Markovic’s early goal was enough to secure three points in a dominant performance against a poor Sunderland side, who struggled to create opportunities.
Despite the absence of Raheem Sterling, the Reds were in control throughout the match, and the closeness of the scoreline perhaps didn’t fully reflect the one-sided nature of the game, with the hosts only really threatening in the closing stages.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 6
Had a quiet afternoon, but his distribution was poor once again, and is now letting him down more than his handling.
RCB) Emre Can – 8
Made the goal, adjusted well to being repositioned to wing-back in the second-half, an excellent all round performance.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 6
Given an easy afternoon by the Sunderland forwards, but coped well with the half-time re-shuffle that saw Lovren replace Gerrard.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7
Helped keep Sunderland very quiet, and made a couple of important clearances, but in truth had an easy game along with his fellow defenders.
DM) Lucas Leiva – 7
Another workmanlike performance from the Brazilian whose importance is continuing to grow in this side. Rumours of his potential sale must be unfounded.
