Liverpool got back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, responding well after a dismal first-forty five threatened to increase fan frustration. The Reds went into the game with a lot of pressure having delivered such a poor performance against Spurs last week and it seemed all too familiar a story when their lack of impetus enabled Huddersfield to defend comfortably for the first period.
However, some stern words from Jurgen Klopp at half-time saw the game spark into life with Daniel Sturridge opening the scoring before Roberto Firmino and Gini Wijnaldum confirmed the three points for The Reds.
Here are the ratings from the match.
Simon Mignolet – 6Â
Many fans weren’t happy to hear Jurgen Klopp retain faith in the Belgian but it proved to be of little importance with Mignolet largely adopting a spectator role for the game. Didn’t have any saves to make but continues to receive the support of his manager as Liverpool’s No.1.
Joe Gomez – 7
It was another pleasing display from Gomez at right-back, helping to clinch a clean sheet for a defence that leaked goals galore against Spurs last week. Showed good composure in possession but still needs to work on his attacking threat – Trent continues to surpass him in that department. Nonetheless, Gomez continues to catch the eye in Klopp’s defence and it’s no wonder people were calling for him to take Lovren’s place. Has a very bright future ahead.
Joel Matip – 6
Should really have got himself on the score sheet after being left in acres of space from a corner and could easily have added a second with another glorious opportunity in the second-half. Did well in defence, albeit hardly troubled.
Ragnar Klavan – 5
A late inclusion to the starting eleven following an untimely injury to Dejan Lovren, Klavan hardly covered himself in glory on his return to the lineup. He looked largely off the pace with a series of passes going straight out of play. The highlight of his performance had to be when he somehow managed to trip himself up on the touchline.
Alberto Moreno – 6
Played a hand in the goal when his ball deflected into the path of Daniel Sturridge, although it was largely defensive ineptitude from Huddersfield that enabled The Reds to break the deadlock. Got forward well as always but wasn’t as useful in possession as he has been in recent weeks. Still, another solid display from the Spaniard.
Jordan Henderson – 7
The usual criticisms of Henderson were back again against Huddersfield, with the Liverpool captain struggling to inject tempo into the game in the first forty-five with his sideways passing allowing Huddersfield to maintain their strong shape. A number of lofted balls into the box were equally frustrating. However, he produced a brilliant ball in the build-up to the goal and showed more positivity from then onwards.
James Milner – 7
The veteran continues to impress in the midfield, registering an assist for the second goal. Showed good composure in possession and kept things ticking over nicely while displaying his usual tireless work rate.
Gini Wijnaldum – 7
Struggled to provide some attacking impetus in the opening forty-five minutes but grew into the game and delivered a brilliant goal in the last fifteen minutes of the game. Reminiscent of his goal against Middlesbrough on the final day of last season, Gini blasted the ball into the top corner to register his first of the season. Hopefully, we see him do that away from home soon. Battled well in the middle of the park against a packed Huddersfield midfield and showed the industry and guile we have been missing from him so far during the campaign.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Probably had his quietest game in a Liverpool shirt before delivering a poor penalty in the first half, shooting straight down the middle of the goal. Much more involved in the second-half as Liverpool stepped things up and was almost on the score-sheet again when his effort was tipped onto the post, contributing to the side turning the screw in the second-half. Klopp will be pleased with his strong mentality to keep his head up despite his first-half miss.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Will have received a big confidence boost having got himself on the scoresheet for The Reds with a header from a corner – yes, a corner. Won the penalty in the first-half that should’ve put Klopp’s side ahead earlier on but did well considering he was utilised out wide.
Daniel Sturridge – 7
Deprived of much service in the first-half but showed why he remains the best finisher at the club with his 100th goal in club football. He may have lost his pace but boy is he ruthless in front of goal. Set Liverpool on their way to victory from then onwards. The 28-year-old can still play a useful role for Klopp’s team this season.
The only defender who might not get a 7 and above is Klavan. If Gomez should get a 7, Moreno should get 8.5. Please think again and give more accurate rating.