Liverpool stay fifth, but close to within two points of Manchester United after a narrow win…
Swansea City 0-1 Liverpool – Jordan Henderson scored the only goal of the game, as Liverpool survived an early onslaught to claim a crucial three points at the Liberty Stadium.
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Our hosts arguably had the better of the first-half, but there was no doubting that it was the Reds who dominated after the break, and we deservedly got our winner just after the hour mark when Henderson’s strike looped over Lukasz Fabianski.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 9/10
Superb performance from the Belgian, who made two crucial first-half saves to keep the Reds in the game during a difficult first 45 minutes. It was a quieter second-half for the keeper, but all his important work was done early on.
RCB) Emre Can – 6/10
The German struggled in the first-half, and was caught out on a couple of occasions by Bafetimbi Gomis, as well as Neil Taylor coming down the left. He was much, much better in the second-half, looking entirely back to himself.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 7/10
Another assured performance from the Slovakian, who showed no ill-effects of the injury he sustained against Blackburn Rovers last time out. He showed his leadership qualities again, and saw us through brilliantly.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 6/10
The Frenchman got the nod over Dejan Lovren for the left sided defensive position, and despite a couple of shaky moments early on, justified his selection. He looked strong and commanding in the second-half – a good day at the office overall.
DM) Joe Allen – 8/10
Another impressive performance from the Welshman, who remains criminally underrated. We were among those to criticise him earlier in the season, but he’s really turned things around, and controlled the game tonight.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Got the decisive goal, albeit fortunately after Jordi Amat’s tackle deflected off his shins and into the net. Still, a third in as many Premier League games for our in-form midfielder, who can’t do anything wrong right now.
RM) Raheem Sterling – 6/10
The youngster’s versatility again proved crucial as he was moved all over the shop by Brendan Rodgers, especially following the change to a midfield diamond in the second-half. Nothing spectacular, but did a decent job.
LM) Alberto Moreno – 6/10 (Gerrard – 64′)
Started slowly, but grew into the game as it wore on – pushing further and further forward. Rodgers clearly gave the Spaniard the instruction to attack in the second-half, but he was replaced by Gerrard 20 minutes later.
AM) Adam Lallana – 6/10 (Johnson – 87′)
A quiet game from Lallana, who was replaced late on as Brendan Rodgers looked to protect his side’s narrow lead. He did a decent job in the second-half, helping the Reds up the tempo after a difficult first period.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
A clever, clever player – just in case you didn’t know that already! Even whilst having a quiet evening, the Brazilian played a crucial role in the build-up to the goal, drifting out of position and dragging the key defender away.
ST) Daniel Sturridge – 6/10
The striker cut an isolated figure up top during the first-half, but led the line well throughout. He was unlucky not to score in stoppage time, hitting the post with a clever finish past the outstretched palm of Fabianski.
Subs:
1) Steven Gerrard – 6/10 – A welcome return from the skipper, who allowed Henderson to push further forward.
2) Glen Johnson – 6/10 – Came on with just a couple of minutes left to help see out the game.
