AMRC) Adam Lallana – 6 (Sterling 77′)
Tries clever little turns so often, Lallana sometimes bamboozles himself. Ran with the ball well, but will do well to retain his place with Sterling fit again.
AMLC) Coutinho – 5 (Balotelli 63′)
Really off colour, unfortunately. When it doesn’t happen for Coutinho, it really doesn’t happen – and tonight was one of those nights.
FC) Daniel Sturridge – 5
Perhaps ironically, it was Sturridge who was the most selfish player on the pitch before the penalty incident. Looked rusty, and held the ball too long – but still managed a few expert flicks and turns which highlighted his natural class.
SUBS:
Mario Balotelli – 8
This is the first time we’ve written this all season, but penno-gate aside, Balotelli oozed class tonight. His touch was inch perfect, he made excellent decisions, his passes were weighted beautifully – and he held the ball up well. And he scored a pressure penalty late on. We could debate whether he should have taken it all night – but the important thing is – he scored it.
Dejan Lovren – 6
Another decent substitute showing from Lovren, who is surely close to starting a match.
Raheem Sterling – 6
One excellent run highlighted his importance to us. Should start against Southampton.
