An absolute screamer from the boot of Phil Jagielka in the dying minutes of the game stole the win from Brendan Rodgers’ Reds after skipper Steven Gerrard scored another goal in yet another Merseyside Derby. Did you guys place your bets with Matchbook on that?
Here is an assessment of the players and their performances :
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
The Belgian keeper had a rather quiet afternoon between the sticks. Mignolet was called upon a handful of times with long distance efforts which he dealt with consummate ease. Still unconvincing and dividing opinion over his command at the back, Mignolet couldn’t do much about an absolute world class strike from Jagielka in the dying minutes of the game.
Javier Manquillo – 6.5/10
The young Spaniard had another solid display at right back. Getting better with every passing game, Manquillo defended well against the likes of Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeady. Still not offering as much as Rodgers’ would want in attacks, Manquillo is still a raw product.
Martin Skrtel – 6/10
Quiet game for the Slovakian. Few crucial blocks and interceptions among a number of defensive headers, Skrtel overcame an injury scare in the first half to complete 90 minutes in the heart of the Liverpool defence.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
The big Croatian had another mixed game of sorts. Besides spurning a golden chance to put his side ahead at the back-post due to poor communication with Balotelli, Lovren dealt with Lukaku well as he kept cutting in from the right flank. Lovren would consider himself unfortunate as his defensive header in the dying minutes landed on the feet of Jagielka to score an absolute screamer.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
The feisty full-back had his hands full with Lukaku on the right flank all game. Moreno was convincing in defence and got himself upfield almost everytime to support attacks down the left flank. A booking in the dying minutes soured down a rather hard-working performance by the former Sevilla man.
Steven Gerrard – 7/10
The 34 year old skipper had a better game in comparison to the ones he had earlier this season. A brilliant free-kick to put his side in the lead simply reminded the fans why he is still one of the best midfielders in the country.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
A typical Henderson performance. Worked tirelessly all game, pulled out some vicious strikes on the rebound and sprayed the ball around intelligently – Jordan Henderson typifies the kind of midfielder Rodgers’ craves for.
Adam Lallana – 8.5/10
Perhaps his best game in a Red shirt so far, Lallana put in a performance that would have made every Liverpool fan proud of the former Saints man. Running himself into the ground, Lallana switched effortlessly across the front 3 creating numerous problems for the Evertonian midfield and defence.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
The 19 year old had one of his quieter games this season. Such is the standard the teenager is setting for himself that in a game he worked his socks off, Reds fans would feel that the versatile attacker could have done better. His link-up play with Adam Lallana was a joy to watch. An effective performance nevertheless.
Lazar Markovic – 4/10
The young Serbian winger is quite visibly struggling to keep up with the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Still only 20 years of age, Reds fans ought to give him time and have patience despite anonymous performances like the one today.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10
He is loved by the Anfield faithful because they know what he is capable of but the Anfield faithful are an educated bunch who will know when the Italian is trying to milk it. Going to ground too easily and making a mess of 2 sitters, Mario Balotelli may feel he could have sealed the win for the Reds and rightly so.
Substitues :
Phillipe Coutinho – 7/10
The nimble footed Brazilian still looks slightly off pace but in all fairness to him, his introduction did provide Liverpool with a spark. Having just recovered from a groin injury, Rodgers’ will require his number 10 to be back to his best for the rest of the campaign if they harbour any hope of gate-crashing the title race.
Rickie Lambert – n/a
Too little time to affect proceedings
