What a night! Here’s how we rated the very, very impressive Reds, who battered Manchester City 3-0 at Anfield.
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GK) Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Didn’t have anything to do. A real testament to the ten players in front of him.
DR) Jon Flanagan – 9/10
What a performance. Flew into tackles all night, smashed Sterling a few times and got the returning Judas subbed after 45 minutes. The defensive improvement with Flanagan in the team was tenfold. Alberto Moreno is now 2nd choice.
DL) Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Looked just as composed at left-back as right-back. Certainly didn’t limit him. Battled well with Jesus Navas.
DC) Kolo Toure – 8/10
Back in the side, Kolo dealt with the world-class Sergio Aguero wonderfully, making one last ditch tackle with the Argentine in the box. Not a liability in any sense.
DC) Dejan Lovren – 7/10
A real calming figure at the back. Great to have him fit again. It looks like Lovren’s re-found his promising form from before his hamstring injury.
DMC) Emre Can – 8/10
Can’s best showing in some time. He showed serious skill centrally, using his body to beat players and then drive through the middle. Too powerful for Fernando and Fernandinho.
MC) Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Henderson put in an improved showing at Anfield, which will hopefully signal a run of good form. He enjoys a feisty encounter and tonight was one. Unlike most matches recently, the midfield trio of Henderson/Can/Milner balanced really well.
MC) James Milner – 8/10 (Ibe – 88′)
Milner seriously wanted it tonight, and bagged our crucial second goal after a great forward run. The vice-skipper put in a typical lung-busting performance which included creativity and cleverness to boot.
AMRC) Roberto Firmino – 9/10 (Allen 80′)
A goal, an assist and about two hundred mesmeric touches. When this guy’s good, he’s really good. The Brazilian floated behind Origi, interchanging exceptionally with Lallana. His goal came in the second, side-footing into the corner of Hart’s net.
AMLC) Adam Lallana – 9/10
It was almost frustrating watching Lallana play this well. He’s bags and bags of talent, but produces it far too irregularly. Tonight though, he was out to prove a point. The Englishman made countless tackles, displayed superb technical ability, quick feet and registered a goal and an assist. This is what we expect of a £25m midfielder. Lallana was terrific.
FC) Divock Origi – 7/10 (Benteke 70′)
Ran the channels excellently and closed down at pace. In many ways, Origi’s running set the tone for the playmakers behind him. Sturridge can learn from Origi this evening.
SUBS:
Christian Benteke: 6/10 – Off the pace.
Joe Allen: n/a
Jordon Ibe: n/a