Liverpool returned to winning ways with a first win at the Riverside Stadium since 2002. Â A brace from Adam Lallana and a Divock Origi goal brought the Reds a first win in three games.
Jurgen Klopp would have wanted a response from his side after far from ideal results against Bournemouth and West Brom and the team delivered with a slick display of attacking football, especially in the second-half.
Simon Mignolet – 7
This game was a tribute to the ultimate professional that Mignolet has been. He bode his time, kept training well and ultimately displaced Loris Karius from the starting lineup. Once he was there, he made a few routine saves, ensuring he didn’t drop the ball. He even caught some crosses and commanded the area unlike we have ever seen him do.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
This was typical Clyne. Energetic, willing and absolutely consistent. It was a terrific cross that set up Lallana’s opener when Boro were being stubborn and refusing to be broken down.
Dejan Lovren – 6
Nothing too spectacular from Lovren, but exactly what was needed on the day. There were no mistakes, no lapses in concentration, no Lovren moments. Can we have this Dejan every game?
Ragnar Klavan – 7
Klavan bossed Negredo all game. He helped Milner out on occasion as well as he was quick to close down Adama Traore when he had beaten our left-back.
James Milner – 7
He was given a tough time by Traore. But he faced the challenge head-on. Yes, the youngster did beat him on occasion, but Milner was the winner of the overall battle. In the second-half, he pinned Traore back by getting forward himself at every possible opportunity.
Jordan Henderson – 6
A frustrating game for Henderson. He made a few sensational tackles, but could have set our attackers off straight after those with better passes than he played. Apart from that, it was more of the same as he kept the ball moving, but not much of that was forward.
Gini Wijnaldum – 6
Again, it was a typical Wijnaldum performance. Full of energy, he was buzzing around in midfield and didn’t let Adam Forshaw and co have any peace on the ball. His quality in the final third let him down.
Adam Lallana – 9
The goal machine. He added to his strike against West Ham at the weekend with a couple more. It was a terrific game for Lallana. Very Lampard-esque as he got into the box late and produced two clinical finishes.
Sadio Mane – 7
Mane’s performance had everything apart from the goal. He tortured Boro’s defenders with his movement and the rotation with Firmino and Origi was as good as it has been this season.
Roberto Firmino  – 7
After a lull against Bournemouth and West Ham, there was a semblance of big Bob’s threat to be seen. He roamed about a lot more and got into those positions that defenders hate. Maybe getting rid of the top-knot was not the worst idea after all…
Divock Origi – 8
Five goals in five games. His hold-up play was much better. He rotated brilliantly with Mane and Firmino. Overall, a terrific display from Origi. He went off holding his leg and that is a huge concern, if it is anything serious.
Substitutes
Lucas Leiva, Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold – N/A
They got 15 minutes of playing time combined and apart from one enterprising run by Alexander-Arnold in the last minute, they didn’t impact the game too much.
