Alisson Becker – 5.0
Had to once again produced wonders, especially at 1-1. Was badly let down for Leeds’ goal, and showed great character to keep his side in the first half. Was again busy with hands and feet in a rather frenetic second period. Maybe could have done better for the winning goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4.0
Was decisive in his delivery if not a touch nervous in defence through the opening stages. Looked dangerous in transition without much real effect.
Andy Robertson – 5.0
A tremendous cross for the equaliser, and showed good attacking intent from the start. Kept pushing and trying to deliver for his teammates, and showed real desire in his play.
Virgil Van Dijk – 4.0
Struggled to organise after the opening goal, with Gomez clearly lacking in confidence. Had to really battle to keep Leeds out, with a series of challenges needing to be won. Was very lacklustre for the winning goal, and wasn’t able to block the shot.
Joe Gomez – 3.0
Loose in his distribution, but disastrous for the opening goal. Too casual, and made the choice not to recall Konate look misguided. A clumsy late challenge just before the first half closed caused more irritation for the fanbase. Improved in the second half with his pace able to save potential breaks. Grew as the game went, but the first half blunder was so significant.
Thiago Alcantara – 4.0
Tried to get on the ball as Leeds showed energy and drive. Was loose at times after a couple of games out. The system seemed too untrained for him to find his rhythm.
Fabinho – 4.0
Looked to impose himself, and the opening stages were more about Leeds’ tenacity than his own. Couldn’t win the ball effectively and seemed slow to cut passing lanes. Fabinho still in a funk.
Subbed – 60 mins
Harvey Elliott – 4.0
Kept busy, but looked small and weak in transition. Struggled throughout the game, and was harried on the ball throughout.
Subbed – 60 mins
Mohamed Salah – 5.0
So threatening off the last man, so full of intent on the ball, and was on hand to bring the score back to 1-1. Was crowded out time and time again, and probably could have made some better decisions in vital areas.
Roberto Firmino – 5.0
Was dragged about the middle, as Leeds swarmed early on. Couldn’t get a hold of the ball, as pressure was always incoming. Kept plugging away, but couldn’t be that effective conduit. Had a good low effort saved late on, as Liverpool rallied late, and a firm header was just about kept out.
Darwin Nunez – 5.0
Couldn’t impact the opening stages, as Leeds looked the more assertive team early on. Looked too wide too often, and should have done better with a 1 on 1 midway through the half. Should have scored once more after the first changes, but the keeper came out strong. Had a spectacular effort tipped over, but kept going.
Subs;
Curtis Jones – 4.0 (on 60)
More energy, but the final ball was lacking in key moments. Should have done more when doubling up on the ball for the winning goal.
Jordan Henderson- 4.0 (on 60)
Added a little more energy, but ineffective like many of his teammates.
James Milner – 3.0 (on 78)
Weak for the first ball that created the winner, a strange sub on.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 4.0
Just the one change from Amsterdam, with Thiago coming in for the captain. Picking Joe Gomez over Ibrahima Konate seemed almost logical, until Joe’s huge mistake for Leeds opening goal proved that theory false.
Probably had Nunez too wide at times, and his team looked sluggish compared to an energetic Leeds team. The lack of either midfielders in form or fit forwards restricted his substitutions, and Leeds really rattled the reds, like so many teams have done prior. The winning goal was almost predictable.
It’s a continuing struggle.
