Liverpool shot out of the blocks really quick to pick up their first league win of 2017 as they defeated Tottenham rather easily. The Reds had struggled in their last game as they lost to Hull City but Sadio Mane looked brilliant this time around, as he scored a couple of goals.
It could have been greater for the Reds as Hugo Lloris kept them out but more than anything else, it is the three points that will provide relief to the fans. The Merseyside club were excellent throughout the game and next face Leicester City away.
Jurgen Klopp’s men moved up to fourth in the league table but this is prior to Manchester City’s game and if they continue playing like this, they could even finish in second place.
We look back at an excellent performance from the Reds and share the player ratings.
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
The Belgian didn’t really have a lot to do and surprisingly kept a clean sheet. He did do well to keep a Son Heung-min shot out in the first half.
Nathaniel Clyne – 8/10
The English defender was his normal self for the Reds as he kept the Tottenham attack quiet in the first half and joined the Liverpool attack regularly to cause Spurs a lot of problems.
Joel Matip – 7.5/10
Matip might have made a couple of mistakes in the game and looked a little rusty, but he did well to keep Harry Kane quiet throughout the game.
Lucas Leiva – 8.5/10
In a surprise performance, Lucas was a rock at the back for the Reds and cleared almost everything he was dealt. There was no thinking football from the Brazilian, which was a good thing, as hoofing was the name of the game from Lucas.
James Milner – 7/10
Milner was his usual “James Milner” persona as he didn’t really do a lot wrong and ensured Liverpool kept a leash on Spurs and their attack.
Jordan Henderson – 7.5/10
Klopp certainly sang praises about the Liverpool captain and he certainly was right in that aspect. Henderson was brilliant throughout the game and his first half performance was nearly flawless.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 8/10
Wijnaldum was another player that caught Klopp’s eye and the former Newcastle man was the one who got the ball rolling with a great pass for Mane to score the first goal.
Adam Lallana – 8/10
The Englishman was another player that ran his socks off on the pitch and gave Tottenham something to worry about right from the get go. Lallana might not have scored but he played with 110% commitment to the cause.
Sadio Mane – 9.5/10
The rating could have been a 10 had he scored a hat-trick in the first half. Mane’s pace and finishing were spot on in the game and Liverpool fans will expect him to lead the side into the final few games of the season.
Philippe Coutinho – 6.5/10
The Brazilian did have one interesting moment as he kneeled behind the wall for a Christian Eriksen free-kick. Coutinho did have a couple of good chances to score but he couldn’t get the ball into the net.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian hustled and harried the Tottenham defence and he too was giving it his all on the pitch. Firmino didn’t get a goal but he did do a great job up front.
Substitutes
Emre Can – 6/10
The German can on in the second half to give them more steel in their midfield.
Ragnar Klavan – 6/10
The Estonian helped the Reds keep a clean sheet as he was brought on in the second half to replace Lucas.
Trent Alexander-Arnold –NA
The youngster came on in the final few seconds of the game.
