Liverpool beat Aston Villa 3-2 today to ease some of the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers, thanks to a brilliant Daniel Sturridge brace.
Here’s how we rated the players…
GK) Simon Mignolet – 5
Couldn’t do anything about the first, although some would argue he could have made a better attempt at keeping out Gestede’s second. Shaky in possession, too.
DRC) Emre Can – 5
Proved that he’s not a natural defender with the first goal Villa scored, failing to properly look after Gestede. Made some odd decisions too. Time for Joe Gomez to be given a run in defence?
DC) Martin Skrtel – 6
It would be unfair to label Skrtel a liability, but he’s not filling his team-mates and goalkeeper especially with confidence.
DLC) Mamadou Sakho – 7
Passed exceptionally well, but was beaten in the air for Gestede’s second.
WBR) Nathaniel Clyne – 6
A solid performance from Clyne, who patrolled the right flank well and made the right decisions.
WBL) Alberto Moreno – 7
Really enjoys the wing-back role in this formation. Moreno linked up expertly with Coutinho down the left, and barely misplaced a pass either.
MC) Lucas – 8
Lucas was exceptional today. Completed over 100 passes, made ten tackles and even drove through the centre with the ball at his feet on the odd occasion.
MC) James Milner – 7
Scored the opener with his left from the edge of the area, which steadied us. Also registered an assist in what was probably his best performance in a red shirt. Much needed after a poor showing on Thursday.
AMC) Coutinho – 8
The Brazilian registered two assists in a creatively strong display – with the back heel for Sturridge’s second especially easy on the eye.
FC) Danny Ings – 7
Linked up really well with Sturridge, in what could be a very promising partnership. Made clever runs, too.
FC) Daniel Sturridge – 9 (Allen 94′)
How good is it to have the striker back in action…? Two goals, both expertly taken, won us the game today. When fit and firing, he’s as good as anyone in the league. Let’s just pray he stays healthy.
