Player Ratings as Liverpool makes it five from five against Spurs

Last season saw Liverpool’s visit to Wembley bring about one of their worst performances. Riddled with individual errors and defensive ineptitude, Spurs were able to beat the Reds at their own game and put down a marker of how far Klopp still had to take his side. Yet, it was a role reversal on Saturday afternoon as Liverpool made it five wins from five, confirming their place at the top of the Premier League table. In truth, it should have been a much wider margin of victory but with another three points under their belts, there could be little complaining.

Here are the ratings from the match.

Alisson: 7

Relatively untroubled given Liverpool’s superiority but did well when called upon. Handled Eriksen’s free-kick calmly while displaying his usual accuracy in possession. Another solid performance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7

Showed good energy down the flank against a rigid Tottenham midfield, thereby providing the necessary width to break them down. Solid defensively and was equal to Spurs’ attacking play in the first half that featured heavily from his side. Yet another big game under his belt in which he’s not put a foot wrong.

Joe Gomez: 8

Positive performance from the 21-year-old who continues to develop after a great start to the season. Made a slip up against Lucas Moura but his defensive partner gave him the necessary cover. He’s certainly holding his own in that defence.

Virgil van Dijk: 8.5

When you’re not able to finish your chances off you need to be really tight at the back to prevent dropping points. That’s exactly what Van Dijk was at Wembley; another colossal performance saw him marshal the back-four expertly, clearing the danger at every opportunity.

Andy Robertson: 8

Another top drawer performance that saw the Scotsman bomb down the flank to give width to the attacks while providing the necessary security in his own third.

Gini Wijnaldum: 8

When Gini gets an away goal you know it’s going to be a good day. The Dutchman looked strong in the No.6 role after a poor display against Leicester, alleviating fears that he may go missing during another big away game for Liverpool. A first away goal against Spurs? That’ll do nicely.

James Milner: 8

Exactly the type of performance we’ve come to expect from him. Full of hard work and graft in the middle to close down Tottenham and keep things ticking over in possession.

Naby Keita: 7.5

Had a golden chance to get his first goal for the club and probably should’ve but for Vorm’s intervention. Although he wasn’t at the heights we’ve seen this season, Keita still played a pivotal role in retaining dominance throughout the midfield. He’ll continue to grow as the games go on, adjusting and gaining confidence in the top flight.

Mohamed Salah: 7.5

It says a lot about the quality of a player when he’s yet to hit the heights of last season but still gets a rating above 7. Albeit not his best day, Salah’s lively last ten gave Spurs some problems at the back. No need for panic stations despite a mixed start.

Sadio Mané: 8

Liverpool’s main man so far this season, Mané was solid again at Wembley. His end product was lacking at times and delays on the ball were often frustrating, but getting into positive areas and creating mayhem for the opposition, this was another good performance from the forward. Could have got on the scoresheet himself but bagged an assist for Firmino’s goal with a well-timed cross into the six-yard box.

Roberto Firmino: 9

There were no signs of his so-called slow start in London. Linking play brilliantly while dropping deep to provide the extra man in midfield, it was Firmino’s movement that proved so pivotal. Bombing into the box, a late dash saw him lose the defender before prodding the ball into the net. By far his most influential performance of the season. Firmino is slowly turning the screws.