A good midfield performance, no away goals conceded and one foot into the last four. Pretty much all Jurgen Klopp could have asked for as Liverpool defeated Porto 2-0 in their Champions League quarter final first leg.
Naby Keita opened the scoring via aid of a deflection early on before Roberto Firmino tapped in a second. Sadio Mané would’ve had a third had he not strayed narrowly offside, but two will do.
Here’s your ratings.
A clean sheet not minus a 5/10…
Alisson Becker (7): A good performance from our ‘keeper after a couple of ropey games lately, one particularly good save down low from Marega keeping him out. A clean sheet will always put a smile on the face.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7):Â Enjoyed a lot of the ball as Telles focused on Salah, slid possession around nicely with Henderson. Perfectly executed cross for the second with sublime composure to take a touch first.
Dejan Lovren (5): Yeah I’m sorry mate. Nah. A five is generous, a mark for every time Marega got into a decent position around the back of you. Go on, call me harsh. On another night we only win 2-1 and you join me in the shouting at Dejan club.
Virgil van Dijk (6):Â Imperious as ever but didn’t actually have that much to do so I’m being mean and restricting him to a six.
James Milner (6):Â Solid enough in Robertson’s absence, one particularly good swinging pass out to Mane for that opening goal. Looked like he was blowing in the second half which is odd given his lack of games over the last month.
A midfield performance, and some!
Fabinho (7):Â Only six out of ten in possession as he played a few under-hit balls, but eight out of ten without it. My mate said he reminds me of an octopus, can get either leg in about a 10 metre radius around him to win the ball at any point. Magical.
Jordan Henderson (7):Â As any rational Liverpool fan has been saying for five years, he’s so much better when you don’t let him dictate the tempo from deep, but hustle and harry from further up. Brilliant pressing, excellent off the ball runs and a great pass to Trent for the second. I love seeing this Henderson and it’s the only Henderson we should see.
Naby Keita (8):Â Eight tackles! Eight! He’s coming alive in a Liverpool shirt, right place right time for the first goal as a deflection helps him and he kicks on from there. Dribbles, passes, shots, tackles, interceptions. Everything. The lad has got the lot, long may it continue.
Firmino runs the attack
Mo Salah (7):Â Kind of wanted him to get sent off, to be honest. Would’ve just been a laugh, wouldn’t it? Might even have seen Shaqiri and his itchy pubes get some game time in the second leg. Had Telles on toast at times which is a tall order, good performance from the king.
Sadio Mané (6): Quieter than he has been of late, probably too busy dribbling (from his mouth) at the dribbling (of the ball) his best mate Naby was doing. Still, solid enough and is unlucky to see a goal ruled out for offside.
Roberto Firmino (8):Â Good movement for the goal, even better celebration. Even better was his overall performance, again running the show as he linked here there and everywhere, assisting the first. Coming into form at a crucial time.
these ratings are absolute joke.does this guy even watch the game?