The Reds produced an excellent second-half performance to dispatch HJK 2-0 in Helsinki, with Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho scoring the goals within the final twenty minutes.
It was the home side, fresh off the back of a Champions League qualifier, who started the brighter and they were unlucky not to take the lead when Ousman Jallow headed over from a corner.
However, the visitors dominated possession throughout and finally made it count after the break, as Jordon Ibe pulled the ball back for substitute Origi to open the scoring. Coutinho made the result safe just a few minutes later, as his shot took a slight deflection on its way into the net.
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Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 5
Looked strangely nervous early on. He flapped at a couple of crosses and was lucky not to give away the opening goal – when the HJK attacker really should have done better with a free header from inside the penalty area.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne – 7
Always looked dangerous down the right-hand side and linked up nicely with Ibe. Their combination could become a real cornerstone of our games next season and there’s certainly a huge amount of potential there.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 6
The Slovakian had very little to do. However, he tidied up nicely when he had too, especially considering the absence of a recognised holding midfielder in our starting line-up. There will be much sterner tests to come.
CB) Dejan Lovren – 6
He almost went unnoticed… and he’ll be very happy about that. After his nightmare in Kuala Lumpur, the best thing that could happen to him tonight was a quiet, mistake-free evening. Thankfully, that’s exactly what he had.
LB) Joe Gomez – 7 (Maguire – 81′)
Another solid outing from the youngster who looks completely at ease among his more senior teammates. In truth, he wasn’t hugely tested tonight. However, the clean-sheet will be another tick in the box for him ahead of Stoke.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 6
His delivery into the area always looked dangerous – Danny Ings might have done better with one such opportunity that came via the captain. He went close himself with a direct free-kick late in the second-half.
CM) James Milner – 7
Worked hard, despite the low-key nature of most of the game, and showed several nice touches. He looked a class above the opposition players that so often tried to surround him and he’ll be an important player for us this year.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 7 (Chirivella – 81′)
The Brazilian made his first appearance of our pre-season campaign in his favoured number ten role and looked as if he’d never been away. His goal had a slice of luck about it, taking a slight deflection, but he definitely deserved it.
RW) Jordon Ibe – 8
Not for the first time in pre-season, Ibe was comfortably the best player on the pitch. He had the beating of his full-back all day long and caused constant problems cutting in off the right. Made the first goal for Divock Origi.
LW) Adam Lallana – 6
A quiet night for Lallana, who might have done better with the couple of chances he did have, blazing one such effort over the bar from the edge of the area. Came close to scoring a record goal four seconds into the second-half.
ST) Danny Ings – 6 (Origi – 63′)
His movement was good again, he was just lacking that killer instinct at the crucial moments. His flicked header which went narrowly wide of the post was the closest he came. He should at least be on the bench against Stoke.
Subs:
1) Divock Origi – 7 – Took his goal well, taking the ball into his feet, before turning and firing home.
2) Pedro Chirivella – 5- Little chance to make an impact.
3) Joe Maguire – 5 – More minutes under the belt for the promising full-back.
