Leicester 3 Liverpool 1 – Player Ratings

Same old. Same old. If you’re fighting relegation in the Premier League, call Liverpool. Three points are on offer for one and all. The Reds put in a dire performance at the King Power Stadium as the struggling champions ran out deserving 3-1 winners to reignite their campaign.

Liverpool was poor – unimaginative, lacklustre and as has been the norm recently, lacking in defensive organisation.

With that 16 day break, the Reds were expected to be rejuvenated and buzzing on the pitch, but it was Leicester who did all the running as they took an unassailable 3-0 lead before Philippe Coutinho pulled one back for Liverpool.

Here’s how each player fared.

Simon Mignolet – 5

There was little he could do for any of the Leicester goals. Some will say that he could have at least tried getting to that Drinkwater shot, but he wouldn’t have got there in either case. Made a few good saves and rushed off his line regularly to clear the danger after Vardy had gotten in behind.

Nathaniel Clyne – 4.5

It seems like Clyne has a brain that only works until he reaches the final third of the pitch. Once he’s there, he’s unimaginative, predictable and ineffective.

Joel Matip – 4.5

His passing was good and he made several incisive ones to the front players. But on the other side of his game, he was given the run-around by Vardy and co.

Lucas Leiva – 3

Should never have started. This is why. He was fantastic against Spurs, no doubt, but we have seen often enough with Lucas recently that the Spurs-type performances are the exception rather than the rule. Vardy bullied Lucas until he was subbed off in the 82nd minute.

James Milner – 3

The time has come for Milner to stop playing left-back. His final ball is utterly ridiculous and his lack of pace is getting critically found out. Step forward, Albie Moreno?

Emre Can – 4

He got the assist for the Coutinho goal, but that aside, he was missing in action. Ndidi and Drinkwater absolutely bossed him in midfield in the first half. In the second, he was slightly better after moving in as the third centre-back.

Gini Wijnaldum – 4

It is curious that Wijnaldum just never shows up on away days. Another forgettable performance from the Dutchman.

Adam Lallana – 4

He got a rather handsome new contract during the week, but Lallana did nothing to justify his increased wages. This was, in fact, among his worst performances of the season. It was frustrating to watch, as he almost always picked the wrong option when he had the ball.

Sadio Mane – 4

His touch deserted him. He could not get forward with the usual vigour and purpose that he does. But that is partly down to Leicester, whose energy and desire ensured that they never let Mane breathe in peace.

Philippe Coutinho – 5

He scored the goal, yes, but apart from that, he was a shadow of the player that he can be. His passing was off, his touch was inconsistent and in general, he just didn’t trouble Danny Simpson enough.

Roberto Firmino – 4

No lack of effort from Firmino. But a glaring lack of quality.

Substitutes

Divock Origi – 4

He won a couple of headers and could (but shouldn’t) have had a penalty late in the second half.

Alberto Moreno – 4

Barely saw the ball in a meaningful position, but it could be a sign of things to come, with Moreno playing at left-back.

Ben Woodburn – N/A

Although not the ideal game for him to be involved in, it was just more Premier League minutes in his development as a player.