Liverpool put out a vastly changed side after the heroics from midweek against Dortmund, with only Firmino starting from the team that started in midweek. Liverpool put in a competent away performance to come away with the three points to cap off an excellent week for the Reds.
Lets see how the Reds fared.
Danny Ward (7) – Danny Ward at last got his long awaited start and put out a good performance. The debutant seemed swift off the line to nip in the bud any potential chance. He seemed to have few issues with the high ball into the box as he got caught in no-man’s land a few times. He made an excellent late save in the second-half. Â He was often seen asking his defenders to move up once the set-piece was cleared. Seemed to favour kicking the ball long more often than not.
Stat Attack : 5 out of his 8 passes were long, with only 2 of the 5 finding an LFC player.
Connor Randall (6.5) – Made a clumsy challenge very early but gradually settled into the game. Was competent defensively, but did not offer anything on the offensive side.
Stat Attack : Made only one pass into the offensive box in the game.
Kolo Toure (7) – Assured at the back and had a relatively quiet game as Bournemouth did not offer much of an attacking threat. Was withdrawn in the second-half due to a hamstring injury.
Lucas Leiva (5) – Struggled all game against the pace of King in one-on-one situations. King got the better of him late on to score, capping off a below-average day out for the Brazilian.
Stat Attack :Â
Liverpool have now conceded four injury time goals in the PL this season – only Newcastle (5) have conceded more.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) April 17, 2016
Brad Smith(6) –Â Brad Smith seemed to be the apt replacement for Moreno as he was more than willing, but had little to show in terms of end product. Also his position up the field meant that Lucas was exposed to the pace of King and had to deal with him alone.
Stat Attack : Smith made four passes into the box, none of which were successful.
Kevin Stewart (6.5) – A good performance from Stewart as the midfielder made his second consecutive start in the league. He was happy to play safe and ensure that Liverpool did not lose the ball. Could possibly improve his tempo on the ball, and his pondering meant that he was closed down easily few times.
Joe Allen (7.5) – Joe capped off a solid week for himself with an excellent game again as his renaissance under Klopp continues. He was busy in midfield and pressed aggressively to win the ball in midfield. He also created a chance for Sturridge which came from his pressing. At this rate, a contract should be due for Joe.
Jordon Ibe (7) – Started brightly on the left-hand side of the attacking trident. Was involved in the opening goal, and his free-kick was converted by Sturridge late on in the first-half. Drifted off in the second-half and was taken off later. A welcome return to some semblance of form.
Stat Attack:
Jordon Ibe's first league assist since 3-1 at Chelsea.
— nate (@natefc) April 17, 2016
Sheyi Ojo (6.5) – A second successive start and the Liverpool fans got to see the youngster for a full ninety minutes. A heady concoction of pace, power and directness, he impressed once again with his ability to get by his marker with an ease. He is only eighteen, so better times surely await.
Roberto Firmino (7) – A mixed game for the Brazilian as his sharpness clearly wasn’t there, but was in the right position to tap in the opening goal. Displayed some exquisitely cushioned first touches before being substituted for Divock Origi.
Stat Attack:
12 – Roberto Firmino has been directly involved in 12 goals in 11 Premier League apps in 2016 (eight goals, four assists). Resolution.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2016
Daniel Sturridge (8.5) – Sturridge looked very sharp, backing himself to shoot more often than not. His delightful back-heel deserved a goal by itself, while he did extremely well to direct his glancing header into the goal for the team’s second goal. Could have easily had a hat-trick with a few of his shots hitting the post and the bar respectively. Liverpool would do well to keep both their strikers in such form considering the tough fixtures ahead.
Stat Attack:
Sturridge had ten shots today which I'm fairly sure is the joint most by a player in any PL game this season.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) April 17, 2016
Substitutes:
Mamadou Sakho (6.5) – Came on for Toure in the second-half, and made an error immediately but was quick to save the team . Made an excellent block from a shot by the returning Callum Wilson late on.
Divock Origi, Adam Lallana (N/A) – The late substitutes did not have much time to create any meaningful impact.
