Liverpool concluded their pre-season preparations with a penalty shootout defeat to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield. After a poor first-half performance, the Reds looked by far the better team in the second and probably deserved to come away with the “trophy”. Liverpool fans should be optimistic about the season ahead after this one with many players yet to hit full fitness and Sadio Mane still to return.
Alisson: 6
Unlucky with the Sterling goal. Had very little to do other than that in the 90. Should have saved Zinchenko’s penalty in the shootout.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
Continued his disappointing pre-season form. Looked shaky with balls over the top of him and delivered a number of poor set-pieces. Subbed off on 66 mins.
Joe Gomez: 7
After being caught on the ball in the first couple of minutes performed admirably, even when moving out to right-back after TAA was taken off.
Van Dijk: 6.5
Defensively sound and popped up with a brilliant assist for the Matip goal.
Robertson: 5
A similar level of performance to his full-back partner. Allowed runners in behind a couple of times and looked shaky in possession.
Fabinho: 6
A quiet performance by his high standards but no glaring mistakes. Subbed off on 66 mins.
Henderson: 5
Touch was very poor throughout the game and had little influence in both defence and attack. Subbed off 78 mins.
Wijnaldum: 5
Another classic invisible Gini performance. Midfield was often bypassed when building attacks, but it does not excuse his virtual non-existence throughout the game. Also cost us the match with his awful penalty in the shootout.
Salah: 7.5
A very impressive game from Mo, especially when you consider his lack of preparation. Lasted all 90 minutes and was let down only by his finishing. Positive signs for the season ahead.
Firmino: 6.5
Started brightly with some nice touches and could have had an assist if Mo had brought his shooting boots. Another exciting performance considering how few pre-season minutes he has under his belt. Subbed off on 78 mins.
Origi: 6
Did okay out on the left-wing. Not a lot happened down his side as most attacks went through Mo. Subbed off on 78 mins.
Matip: (On at 66 mins) 7
Managed to direct a header in the correct direction for the first time in his Liverpool career to level the score on 77 mins. Was defensively solid as well for the remainder of the match.
Keita: (On at 66 mins) 6.5
Looked sharp when coming on and probably should have had a goal on 82 mins but couldn’t direct his shot far enough into the corner.
Lallana: (On at 78 mins) 6
A couple of nice touches around the box. Decent cameo.
Shaqiri: (On at 78 mins) 6
Some dreadful corners but adequate other than that.
Oxlade-Chamberlain: (On at 78 mins) 6
Like a new signing.
it shows that your rating is biased, how can you proclaim that matip was directing a header at goal for the first time. whereas Gomez was all over the place in the first half and only improved because city lost control of the game in the 2nd half