Liverpool today drew 1-1 with Norwich at Anfield, with two strikers deployed on the first occasion for some time.
Fans got what they wanted team-sheet wise, with Sakho, Moreno and Sturridge starting – but ultimately – the side collected just one point when we badly, badly needed all three.
The pressure on Brendan Rodgers is now going to be enormous.
There were moments today when we looked like a good side, but you need to be clinical, and we’re simply not.
GK) Simon Mignolet – 5
Had nothing to do in the first-half as Liverpool dominated, but punched a corner straight to a Norwich player who skilfully finished after Ings put as ahead. Made a top save after, but this match will be remembered for his blunder.
DRC) Emre Can – 6
Made plenty of driving runs from deep, as he started as part of the back-three as he did for much of last season. Did relatively well.
DC) Martin Skrtel – 6
Looks better in the middle of the back three than he does with a partner in the back four. Solid for the most part of the afternoon – but he’ll still get stick for showing a lack of urgency in possession.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho – 8
Recalled to the Premier League side, Sakho made tackles aplenty, won all his headers and barely misplaced a pass. He’s arguably been our best player in both of the matches since his recall.
WBR) Nathaniel Clyne – 6
Not nearly as effective as Moreno down the other flank, Clyne was solid if unspectacular on the right.
WBL) Alberto Moreno – 8
Continually bombed forward and delivered telling crosses with his left foot. At home, Moreno should be an automatic starter on the left whether we play four or three at the back due to his engine and offensive instincts. Really impressive.
MC) Lucas (Firmino 70′) – 6
Tidy in the middle, as per usual, on his 200th Premier League appearance for Liverpool. Subbed late on as we pushed for a winner.
MC) James Milner – 6
Booked early on after he held back an onrushing Norwich midfielder. Milner and Lucas found it tough to dominate the centre due to Norwich having extra numbers there, but toiled hard and had a rasping volley by Ruddy saved. Struggles to properly take a game by the scruff of the neck when we need top quality.
AMC) Coutinho – 6.5
Tried unbelievably hard to win us the game, but ultimately, our best player didn’t have his shooting boots on today. Missed a must-score one-on-one late on. Overall, Coutinho had ten attempts on goal but he just didn’t hit the target enough – and when he did – the efforts were tame.
FC) Christian Benteke (Ings 45′) – 5
Substituted at half-time with a hamstring problem. Madness that as soon as Sturridge returns, Benteke picks up an injury of his own.
FC) Daniel Sturridge (Lallana 62′) – 6.5
Injected moments of class into our attack, and could have scored in the first-half when through on goal – but his curling shot was too close to John Ruddy. Lasted an hour, which was clearly the plan before kick off. Brilliant to have him back, but the fact we only drew will overshadow that.
SUBS:
Danny Ings – 7.5
Scored within four minutes of coming on, sliding past Ruddy with his left foot after Alberto Moreno sent him through on goal. Looked really promising, working hard and making good attacking runs.
Adam Lallana – 5
Lacked the finishing touch we needed him to show during his half hour.
Roberto Firmino – 6.5
Some nice touches and through-balls from the Brazilian who looked better centrally.
