Liverpool Player Ratings vs Chelsea
Liverpool registered their first premier league win under Jurgen Klopp in style with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The defending champions took the league in the third minute of the game, but Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho equalized with a beautiful left foot curler during the injury time of the first half. Liverpool took the lead after half-time when Coutinho finished a headed pass from substitute Christian Benteke. And to finish things off, Benteke himself scored a nicely taken goal.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings vs. Chelsea.
Simon Mignolet – 6.5
The Belgian shot stopper had a quiet game. Could not do much about Ramires’ goal because the ball came the opposite direction he was going to and Ramires was able to get enough power on it. He made a fine save to deny Oscar from scoring a half line goal. Apart from that he had nothing much to do.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
The right back had nothing much to do defensively but was active in Liverpool’s attacking moves. He was solid in the back when he was called for it. Chelsea’s weak side was their left wing and Clyne did well to take advantage of it. His attacking performances have improved after Klopp’s arrival.
Martin Skrtel – 7.5
Diego Costa will be frustrated after the match. He was not able to move with Skrtel and Sakho marking him. Skrtel made some good blocks. And he had nothing much to do actually apart from pocketing Costa.
Mamadou Sakho – 7
Another solid performance by the French centre back. Like other Liverpool defenders, he had nothing much to do, but did well when he called for it. He also did well to pocket Costa. Sakho looks very calm in possession. Liverpool’s defense have really improved after Jurgen Klopp’s arrival.
Alberto Moreno – 6.5
Moreno was at fault for Chelsea’s goal. He could have done much better to stop Ramires from scoring. But, he developed as the game went on. He too had nothing much to do defensively, especially in the second half. He almost recreated the goal he scored against Tottenham last season, but his near post shot was saved by Asmir Begovic. He had a good attacking performance.
Emre Can – 6
The German midfielder was not at his best today. He keeps the ball too much and he ends up giving away the possession. His presence was not really felt in the game. He was booked for a bad foul. His strength and power can be seen in his game.
Lucas Leiva – 7
Another solid performance from the Brazilian. He is playing as a perfect Defensive midfielder at the moment. He could have been or should have sent off. He was already booked and made some fouls. He perceptively did his defensive jobs. He made some important interceptions and played an important role is Coutinho’s second goal. He has been involved in Liverpool’s attacking moves lately. Another player who has really improved under Klopp’s.
James Milner – 5
Liverpool’s current captain in charge was Liverpool’s worst player. He was not offering anything to Liverpool. His passing was poor. His tackles were not on point. He played a role in Coutinho’s equalizer and that was his only highlight. This is not what we expect from a captain.
Adam Lallana – 6.5
It was not the kind of performance he put up recently. He was not at his best, but his overall performance was good. He now has the confidence to take shots from outside the box and his turns are just delicious. He is another player whose performances have improved after Klopp’s arrival.
Philippe Coutinho – 8 (Man Of The Match)
The Brazilian playmaker really looked uninterested in the first half, but his moments of magic turned the game in Liverpool’s way. His equalizer was candy for the eyes. A beautifully taken goal and his second goal which gave Liverpool the lead was good too. His passes were rusty and he is not anywhere near his best. Liverpool fans will be hoping to see Coutinho returning to his best after this performance.
Roberto Firmino – 7
The Brazilian had a slow start to his career at Liverpool, but he is coming to his best. He has now had two good performances in the Liverpool shirt and he will be hoping to develop on it. His intelligence, creativity, and work rate could be seen in his game. He assisted Coutinho’s equalizer. He is still not as his best but slowly he will get to his best.
Substitutes:
Christian Benteke – 7
Benteke scored his fourth goal for Liverpool and also grabbed an assist. It is the second time in a row that he is making a huge impact for Liverpool coming off the bench. He is really proving his critics wrong. He has scored 4 goals out 8 appearances (5 starts) and assisted one for Liverpool already and that looks like a very good start for him. All he has to do now is stay fit.
Jordon Ibe – 6.5
Ibe came on for Firmino. Even though he did not have much time to make an impact, he provided the assist for Benteke’s goal.
Dejan Lovren – N/A
He came on during the injury time and we are not able to provide a rating for Lovren because he was not the pitch for long.
