Liverpool kept their lead at the top of the Premier League intact, with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the Reds, only to be pegged back late by Wilfried Zaha. But the response from Jurgen Klopp’s men was immediate with a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner causing pandemonium in the Palace box, for Roberto Firmino to tap in.
Here’s how each player fared.
Alisson Becker – 6/10
No real big saves to make, and apart from Zaha’s goal, which he could do nothing about, didn’t really have a challenging thing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4/10
Very poor with his passing and crossing, especially in the first half. For the most part, he defended well against Zaha in one-on-one situations.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
He was strong up against Ayew and Benteke for the most part, but it was some bad defending in the build-up to the Zaha goal, as Lovren allowed Benteke to dribble past him too easily.
Virgil van Dijk – 9/10
Colossal. Yet again. Neither Ayew nor Benteke got anything from challenging Van Dijk. Also made a massive nuisance of himself in the opposition box, in the scrap which led to Firmino’s goal.
Andrew Robertson – 6/10
Not much better than Trent. Big positive was that he showed no signs of the ankle injury, but even his passing range was not at the high level we know it can be at. Got himself the assist for Mane’s goal, though.
Fabinho – 6/10
Kept things ticking in midfield, and broke up play when he had to. Also took a yellow card for the team, which means he’ll miss the next league game – against Brighton at Anfield.
Gini Wijnaldum – 6/10
He showed good energy all throughout the game, but there was very little in the final third.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
He did well in helping Trent defend against Zaha. Should have had an assist with a lovely pass to Mane, which the no.10 somehow contrived to put wide.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5/10
Shuttling between the two flanks in Salah’s absence, he could not have too much of an impact on the game. It’s clear that his skill set is best used in a central midfield role, so hopefully, that’s where he gets more minutes once Salah is back.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Wasn’t really at his best again, but he was in the right place at the right time to ensure that no points were dropped.
Sadio Mané – 6/10
Scrappy, at best. His touch was heavy almost always, he missed a couple of chances which you’d expect him to score. But he settled the nerves after half-time, with a scrappy goal to help take the lead.
SUBSTITUTES
Divock Origi – 5/10
Replaced Chamberlain around the hour mark, and was an outlet on the left flank. But didn’t get near the goal.
James Milner – 5/10
Replaced Henderson late in the game, and didn’t really have the time to influence the game.
Joe Gomez – N/A
Came on with two minutes of regulation time left.
