Join AI Pro

Of course, the talk will be about VAR. But Liverpool have just won their 18th Premier League game out of  19 this season. They’ve gone back to 13 points atop the Premier League, after Sadio Mane’s first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win over a plucky Wolves side at Anfield.

Here’s how each player fared for the Reds.

Alisson Becker – 7/10

He had one save to make, after an inexplicable Van Dijk error set Jota free. Alisson made that save. It was pretty much the only time he was called on in the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10

Not a vintage performance quite like the one against Leicester, but he managed to remain a significant threat on the right flank. Crossing wasn’t as pin-point as it could have been, but credit to Vinagre who stuck to his task superbly.

Joe Gomez – 9/10

Another near-flawless performance from Gomez alongside the big Dutchman. Used his speed well to recover, and was alert to cover behind Van Dijk after a couple of uncharacteristic errors from him.

Virgil van Dijk – 6/10

Was shrugged off a challenge by Neto, only for Gomez to be there on the cover. And inexplicably got caught dwelling in possession by Jota, whose shot was saved by Alisson. Also, played a peach of a pass in the build-up to the winner.

Andy Robertson – 6/10

Most of Liverpool’s play was focused on the right flank and getting the ball to Trent, so Robertson didn’t really have that much to do in the game until Traore came on. He dealt well with the pace and power of the Wolves winger though.

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

Seemed a tad off the boil against Moutinho and Neves, and was a bit rustled in possession. Definitely didn’t meet the standards of his recent performances.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10

Like Henderson, not the tidiest performance. The passing was a bit off, and there was a lack of surety in his touches. Should’ve scored in the first half, when he had space for a volley but shot over the bar.

Adam Lallana – 8/10

A superb defensive performance was rewarded with a deft assist, when he used his shoulder to redirect the ball for Mane to score. His pressing and hustling were outstanding, but in the space he occupied between Vinagre and Kilman, he could have done with a bit more quality with his end-product.

Roberto Firmino – 6/10

Like a lot of the team, he did not do anywhere near what he is capable of. Tried to link up with Salah with one-touch sequences, but nothing really came off for him.

Sadio Mane – 7/10

Took the goal expertly, but was well-marshalled by Jonny for most of the game. Was outstanding defensively, helping the full-backs out against the threat of Adama Traore in the second half.

Mohamed Salah – 5/10

Started brightly, and should have scored in the opening exchanges off a perfect cross from Trent. As the game wore on though, the quality kept deserting him. And he seemed to be trying too hard instead of making the simple passes stick.

SUBSTITUTES

Naby Keita – 7/10

Did really well after replacing Lallana. He helped the Reds control possession, and his hustling and tackling were on point from the minute he stepped on the pitch.

James Milner – N/A

Came on for the last five minutes of regulation time.

Divock Origi – N/A

Ditto Milner.

Join AI Pro