Here’s how we rated the player’s from this evening’s League Cup win v Stoke City…
SEE MORE:
Stoke 0-1 Liverpool – Full highlights & match report as Allen & Can run show, but injuries decimate Reds
(Video) Did Joe Allen mean that pass? Alternate angle shows two looks left for Liverpool goal
GK) Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Another clean-sheet for Mignolet who was booked for time-wasting. Scared us silly when Stoke crossed into the box, but we need to stop them being delivered in the first place.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne – 6/10
Looked tired towards the end which is worrying, as Connor Randall doesn’t provide a good enough backup option. Also needs to stop more crosses from going in.
DL) Alberto Moreno – 6.5/10
Really good early on when Liverpool were flying, but a backs to the wall kind of game doesn’t suit the Spaniard. Still, played his part and will hopefully get a rest on Friday for Brad Smith.
DC) Kolo Toure – 7/10
Replacing the injured Mamadou Sakho, Toure suited the game with Liverpool defending deep – as his lack of pace wasn’t exposed. Limped off late on, but it’s unsure if it’s a hamstring or a cramp. Hopefully the latter, as he could be the only available centre-half for the FA Cup tie.
DC) Dejan Lovren – n/a (Milner – 34′)
The injury looked a very serious one, and it was actually the third time Lovren has left the field almost in tears this season. Such a shame for the player and the club as he’s finally started to prove his worth.
DMC) Lucas – 7.5/10
Switched to central defence due to the injuries after half an hour, Lucas made countless tackles and interceptions in a dogged, typical performance. He might have to get used to this position if the injuries prove serious.
MC) Joe Allen – 8/10 (Benteke – 79′)
Composed and dynamic, words we’ve rarely associated with Allen this season. The Welshman brilliantly assisted Ibe’s goal (it wasn’t an accident) and should’ve won a penalty in the second-half too. For the first time we can remember, Allen trended on Twitter for the right reasons.
MC) Emre Can – 7.5/10
Developing into a true leader. Fought hard and passed well, so we’ll forgive him a few lapses in possession. Easily one of the first names on the team-sheet now.
AMRC) Adam Lallana – 6/10
Tidy, but ultimately forgettable in terms of genuine creativity, bar his break down the right for our goal.
AMLC) Coutinho – n/a (Ibe – 18′)
Started brightly but then did his hamstring and was taken off. Such terrible luck. The second time he’s pulled that muscle this season. When will this injury crisis end?! It’s brutal Just brutal.
FC) Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Started well and was linking up excellently with Coutinho, but drifted and looked nervous when in goalscoring situations. Whacked a few shots over, but still looked far more suited to our style than Christian Benteke did last time out.
SUBS:
Ibe – 7.5/10 – Scored the game’s crucial goal, making it two in two in the League Cup and three for the season.
Milner – 6/10 – Perfect night for Milner. Battled tirelessly when we badly needed him to.
Benteke – n/a