In the end, Liverpool were probably lucky they didn’t lose the game on the day. Jurgen Klopp will be annoyed at the prospect of having to play a replay against Shrewsbury as well, but this was the least that the hosts deserved, as the lax Reds were pegged back from 2-0 up, as the game finished 2-2.
Curtis Jones opened the scoring in the first half, and the Reds were 2-0 up 30 seconds after the restart, with Donald Love’s own goal, but a brace from Jason Cummings means that Liverpool’s winter break is a shorter one now, with the replay at Anfield to play after Southampton’s visit next weekend.
Here’s how each player fared.
Adrian San Miguel – 9/10
He didn’t deserve to concede twice. He made a couple of big saves in the first half, and followed it up with another in the second half. He had no fault in either of the goals.
Neco Williams – 6/10
Was very good with his attacking play in the first half, but as the game wore on, his influence on proceedings receded. Could’ve got a first-half assist with a cross that just eluded Minamino’s head.
Joel Matip – 5/10
Sloppy. Rusty. Understandably so. But Lovren and him are the reasons we’re going into the replay, and there is no excuse for that, really.
Dejan Lovren – 4/10
Same as Matip. Also went full Lovren, in the build-up to Shrewsbury’s second goal. Full Lovren is never good news.
Yasser Larouci – 5/10
Was troubled by Josh Laurent all game. Conceded the penalty that brought them back into the game. Didn’t really look a threat in attack either.
Pedro Chirivella – 7/10
Probably Liverpool’s best outfield player on the night. His passing was assured, he kept possession calmly. He’ll not complain about the replay though, as he’s guaranteed another start in that one.
Fabinho – 4/10
Like Lovren and Matip, he was rusty. First touch was heavy, passes were poor, but his tackling still was important. Having said that, these minutes are critical for him heading into the business end of the Premier League and Champions League.
Curtis Jones – 7/10
Lovely finish for the goal, always looked to get involved, has a swagger about himself, and in Sadio Mane’s absence, maybe could be in line for a few more Premier League minutes in the next week.
Takumi Minamino – 6/10
His work-rate was terrific, he took up some lovely positions playing in the false nine role, but his quality on ball was not very good.
Harvey Elliott – 5/10
His most quiet game for the first team. Didn’t really do anything to impact proceedings.
Divock Origi – 4/10
Nothing stuck, especially in the first half, as he was just a by-stander on the left flank. Had a rasping drive from distance well saved in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
Tried to score off a free-kick from 40 yards out. Didn’t score.
Mo Salah – 6/10
His first touch was a pass to Matip, who he replaced, when the Cameroonian was walking off the pitch. Summed up the Reds’ evening. Could’ve won it with a header that he glanced wide.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Set up Salah’s header, and nearly set up Jones in the few minutes that he was on.
