Chelsea 2 – 0 Liverpool: Liverpool Player Ratings

Another loss for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s side continues a shocking run of form after the winter break. Jurgen Klopp went with a surprisingly strong lineup as Joe Gomez returned to the line-up while Takumi Minamino made a rare appearance.

Liverpool started off well and troubled Kepa Arizzabalaga early on. However, it was Chelsea who took the lead when Willian’s shot was poorly handled by Adrian who watched it deflect off his hand into the goal.

The Reds pushed up and should have equalized only for three players to hit Kepa three times within 10 seconds. Sadio Mane looked the brightest of the front three as Divock Origi could do nothing right and Takumi Minamino fluttered in and out of the game.

The second half was more or less the same as Chelsea looked to be the better team overall. Liverpool lacked invention and imagination as the Reds looked hopeless in the attack. The Merseysiders kept away and gave Ross Barkley plenty of space. He gladly ran on and finished off the tie at 2-0.

Adrian to his credit made a number of top-notch saves in the second half to save the Reds further humiliation. We take a look at hoe the players fared.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Adrian (6/10)

A poor mistake from Willian’s shot ended up with him just diverting the ball into his own net. Redeemed him well with a number of excellent saves in the second half. Sorely let down by his defense for Barkley’s goal.

Neco Williams (6.5/10)

A promising performance by the youngster. He looked out of place at times but made sure he recovered well. Made a number of last-minute tackles and attacked well in the first half. Had a chance after Kepa saved Mane’s effort but could only hit it wide. Faded as the game went on and was silent in the second half.

A good outing for the youngster. Will only get better in time.

Joe Gomez(5/10)

The youngster returned after missing the trip to Watford last weekend. Didn’t deal well against Chelsea’s long ballas and was troubled by Oliver Giroud throughout.

Virgil van Dijk (5/10)

Not the dominance we have come to expect from the Dutchman. Didn’t really get going and should have done better for Willian’s goal. The defensive star needs to get his act back together if Liverpool are to address this slide.

Andrew Robertson (6/10)

Faded as the game went on. The Scotsman huffed and puffed but was largely ineffectual. Put in a few crosses into the box while not really contributing elsewhere.

Fabinho (4/10)

Hasn’t been the player since he returned from injury. Struggled with the pace of the game and was overrun at times. Made a number of unforced errors and got a yellow card for a tackle on Mason Mount. Gilmour had the beating of him all game.

Curtis Jones (6/10)

Had a number of good runs and at times looked assured in possession, Didn’t perform as well as he had done in previous rounds. The best of the midfield three could go a long way for the Reds.

Adam Lallana (5.5/10)

A decent performance, but lacked a cutting edge. He gained possession and a number of times and ran well with the ball. Could now however threaten or pierce the Chelsea defense.

Takumi Minamino (6/10)

Not a bad performance at all by the Japanese playmaker. although he could be accused of trying to do too much. Put in a number of good passes that weren’t picked up and looks to be easing his way into the Liverpool jersey.

Sadio Mane (4/10)

Uncharacteristically indecisive. He lacked the ruthlessness he had shown so far and was largely wasteful. Squandered a great chance to draw Liverpool level. Invisible for large moments of the second half.

Divock Origi (2/10)

A completely ineffective performance by the Belgian. His heart wasn’t in it and did not try to do anything about it either. Not a consistently dependable option off the bench and Liverpool will do well to look for a replacement in the summer.

Substitutes

James Milner (5/10)

Didn’t really change much as the Chelsea midfield still had the better of the Reds. He only returned from injury and looks like he needs some more time to reach his usual level.

Roberto Firmino (5/10)

Better than Origi and that is it. The run of bad form for the Brazilian continues as he was ineffectual here once again.

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Mohamed Salah (NA)

Came on too late to change anything.