Adam Lallana – 5
Our wingers will do well to keep their spots in the side next week, and were probably our two least effective players tonight. Lallana especially was quiet, and bar one mazy run through the middle after a clever turn, was anonymous.
Jordon Ibe – 5 (Firmino – 70′)
Played on the left, when he would have likely been more comfortable on the right – with an overlapping Clyne helping him. Gomez doesn’t really attack, so Ibe had two players to contend with. He stayed very wide, but didn’t deliver any end product – winning throws rather than making chances.
Christian Benteke – 8
As expected, the Belgian won his aerial duels, but most importantly, opened his Liverpool account with a back-post tap in. He was ecstatic to notch in front of the Kop, and we hope that it’s a sign of things to come for the £32.5m man. The goal helped him, and he looked visibly more confident after his poacher’s effort. He battled hard down the flanks too, despite being accused of being static in the past. In the second, he held up the ball terrifically, and hit his only chance onto the bar with minutes remaining. Really encouraging, especially considering he didn’t get much service.
Subs:
Emre Can – 6 – Showed his strength three times, beating off opposition midfielders and using his body to shield the ball. Sometimes gets too excited when dribbling, holding onto possession for too long.
Roberto Firmino – 5 – Very quiet, but came on when our backs were against the wall, and it would be wrong to judge him on his 20 minutes. Given a brilliant reception which would have made the hairs on anyone’s neck stand.
Alberto Moreno – 6 – Only had ten minutes, but showed he could play as a winger for us this term when games are stretched. One brilliant run earned a freekick, but would have been the Goal of the Season had he finished it.
