Alisson Becker gave Liverpool heart-attacks with a moment of madness in the second half to gift Leicester a goal, but first-half goals from Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino were enough for the Reds to see off a brave Leicester fightback to gain another three points, with a fourth consecutive Premier League win to start the season.
Here’s how each player performed.
Alisson Becker – 4/10
The rating is that low only because of one moment. He shouldn’t have done that. He had enough time to get rid of the ball but he invited Kelechi Iheanacho to press him, and lost the ball, eventually leading to a goal. He was authoritative from set-pieces and made a couple of routine saves, but that moment of madness must act as a reality check for him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
He was put under consistent pressure on the left flank by Ben Chilwell, but he stood up to the challenge. He could have done much more going forward though, as he misplaced plenty of passes.
Joe Gomez – 9/10
The undisputed Man of the Match. Nothing got past him all day. It was a hugely improved performance in reading the play and nipping opposition attacks in the bud. He played like the senior centre-back today and didn’t look flustered at all for a single moment.
Virgil Van Dijk – 5/10
He got a poor pass from Henderson, compounded it by playing a poor ball to Alisson, and the goalkeeper gifted Leicester a goal. Van Dijk wasn’t his usual self-today, as he was getting easily outmuscled by the Leicester attackers. Made two immense headers off set-pieces in injury time to ensure there was no heartache for the Reds.
Andrew Robertson – 7/10
It was his persistence and desire that helped set up the first goal for the Reds. He buzzed up and down the flank and was solid defensively.
Jordan Henderson – 4/10
Awful. He was consistently anonymous in the areas where Maddison was consistently causing problems. His passing was below-par as well. The skipper did nothing to prove he deserves to start on a consistent basis.
James Milner – 6/10
He pressed really well again, almost setting up a chance for Salah, who should’ve done much better after Milner won the ball back. A little daft in injury time when he gave away a needless free-kick.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
Away game. Unfortunately, the away game Wijnaldum Liverpool fans know was back. He made a couple of surging runs in the second half but wasn’t found by his team-mates.
Mo Salah – 4/10
His decision-making on the break was awful. His passing in the final third left loads to be desired. He made a hash of an absolute sitter very early in the game. Not a good day for Salah.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
He was constantly trying to press the Leicester defenders. But his on-ball play was not good at all. He was caught dwelling on the ball too much and didn’t look sharp enough at all. He did get his first goal of the season, so that’s a monkey off his back.
Sadio Mané – 6/10
Got the Reds on their way with his 4th goal of the season. But he was largely very lazy, as he didn’t chase down several balls that should have easily been received.
SUBSTITUTES
Xherdan Shaqiri – 7/10
Shaqiri did well after coming on to replace Salah. He gave the Reds an outlet and held the ball up brilliantly on the right flank.
Naby Keita – 6/10
He came on to replace Henderson and immediately helped the Reds regain control of possession.
Joel Matip – N/A
For some inexplicable reason, he came on to replace Alexander-Arnold, which meant having to move Gomez away from centre-back, where he was fantastic.
I was wondering where were our midfield, Leicester was going through it as if it wasn’t there. Then I remembered, Henderson was part of it, no wonder then.