The fans left Anfield ecstatic as Liverpool thrashed Stoke City with a resounding scoreline of 4-1 as they overtake their opponents in the league standings. Liverpool took the lead early in the first half with Alberto Moreno hitting the net with from long range. Stoke equalized but their happiness was short-lived as Sturridge gave Liverpool the lead after some brilliant work by the youngster Ojo from the left flank. The in-form striker Origi was introduced in the second half and he put the game to bed with two goals. Here’s a look at how the players performed in the game.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Stoke City
Simon Mignolet – 6.5
The goalkeeper did not have too much to do in the game. He made a very good stop to deny Cameron and was decent in handling the ball.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
The right-back had a good game overall as he had to monitor the attacks from the wings. Clyne delivered as expected and did not allow Stoke to create too many chances from the sides.
Kolo Toure – 6.5
The defender had a decent game except for the goal which Liverpool conceded in which he lost his man – Bojan. In the second half, he was very composed at the back and did not allow Stoke to break free inside the box.
Martin Skrtel – 7
After a disaster against Southampton, Skrtel made a good comeback in this game and partnered well with Toure at the back not allowing the opponents to go all guns blazing at the Liverpool goal.
Alberto Moreno – 7.5
The left-back scored a thunderous opener for Liverpool and had an impressive game. He was good defensively as he managed to track the runs of Stoke attackers.
Kevin Stewart – 7
Klopp made a lot of changes in terms of formations and personnel and Stewart was one of them. The youngster did complete justice to the chance offered to him and has opened a new prospect of a holding midfielder for Klopp.
James Milner – 8
The skipper had an excellent game as he took the responsibility of driving his troops when Stoke had equalized. Milner was even better when Klopp made a switch to the 4-4-2 diamond in the second half.
Joe Allen – 7
With Jordan Henderson picking up a severe injury, Klopp will have to rely on the services of the Welshman and he was instrumental in the midfield throughout the game. He kept possession and had a good passing accuracy.
Sheyi Ojo – 7
The 18-year-old was given his chance by Klopp and he showed good faith in his manager’s selection. He made a brilliant assist to setup Sturridge for the second goal.
Roberto Firmino – 6.5
The Brazilian had a quiet game and was not very sharp as he was recovering from an injury.
Daniel Sturridge – 7.5
Sturridge scored the second goal for the reds and created a lot of chances throughout the game. His performance tonight might just earn him a place in the return leg against Dortmund.
Substitutes
Divock Origi – 8.5
The hero of the first leg came on the pitch at the stroke of half time and managed to score two goals in the second half. He deserved to be the Man of the Match.
Adam Lallana – 7.5
Lallana came in for Firmino at the stroke of 60 mins and posed a threat to the Stoke defence in the last 30 mins.
Lucas Leiva – 6
He returned from a long-term injury and had very little game time to create any impact.
