Liverpool stay fifth, five points behind Manchester United, after defeat at Anfield…
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United – A brace from Juan Mata was enough to give Manchester United all three points at Anfield today, although Daniel Sturridge did at least set up a tight end to the game after a fine finish.
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Steven Gerrard’s shock red card – just 45 seconds after he came on as a substitute – proved crucial, as his dismissal gave Brendan Rodgers’ side everything to do while a man short.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 7/10
The Belgian continued his fine run of form with an excellent save to deny Wayne Rooney from the penalty spot. He could do nothing about Mata’s second goal, although might think he could have stood up longer on the first.
RCB) Emre Can – 6/10
A typically hard-working display from the young German, who did well to keep Fellaini in check for most of the game. His clumsy challenge gave away the late penalty, but with just seconds remaining it didn’t really matter.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 6/10
Dealt well with Wayne Rooney throughout the game, and for the most part was his usual dominant self at the heart of our defence. We’ll have to hope that his late clash with David de Gea doesn’t come back to haunt us.
LCB) Mamadou Sakho – 5/10
Was given a difficult afternoon by Juan Mata, and needed more help that he got down our left-hand side. The Frenchman had a couple of other shaky moments, and will likely be frustrated with his all-round performance.
DM) Joe Allen – 6/10
Neat and tidy with his passing, but failed to impose himself on the game as he has done in recent games. Was left with a lot to do after Gerrard’s red card, running the midfield on his own at times, but he did okay.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Tried to provide the energy in midfield, but like Allen he struggled to have his usual influence as he was overrun by the United players. His passing was also unusually array at times on a dissapointing day.
RM) Raheem Sterling – 5/10
Looked dangerous early on, but quickly faded and looked isolated out wide. Was this another indication that the youngster needs to be playing in a more central position – either up front or at the top of a diamond?
LM) Alberto Moreno – 4/10 (Balotelli – 66′)
The young Spaniard has been superb this season, but this was not a good day at the office for him. He let Mata get away from him in the build-up to both goals, and will need to take the time to analyse what went wrong here.
AM) Adam Lallana – 5/10 (Gerrard – 46′)
Struggled in the first-half, although did have Liverpool’s clearest sight of goal in the final minutes. He wasted that opportunity, firing wide, and having had little other impact on the game, was withdrawn at the break.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
An excellent piece of play to set-up Sturridge’s goal, the Brazilian was the only Liverpool player who consistently looked as if he was going to make something to happen. United were often forced to double-team him.
ST) Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Took his goal well, set up the chance for Lallana, and provided a constant threat up front. It’s a shame he wasn’t offered a little bit more in way of support, but he can hold his head high after that performance.
Subs:
1) Steven Gerrard – N/A – His costly red card will go down in history, as his last game against United ended in bitter disappointment.
2) Mario Balotelli – 5/10 – Put in a decent shift, but he might have been sent-off too if it weren’t for his own supporters holding him back after an altercation with Chris Smalling.
