Starting XI
Alisson Becker – 7.0
Looked a little shaky on 15 mins as Spurs exploded with two chances, but did enough to keep the ball out. Was steady enough barring that. Had to make some good saves to keep the Reds in the game, and could do little about the Kane goal.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0
A brilliant cross field ball to Nunez set the trend for Trent, on the ball anyway. He struggled with quick paced attacks and looked on edge whenever the ball was carried in behind. Defending improved in the second half.
Andy Robertson – 7.0
A good ball into the box allowed the opening goal to be realised. Continued to offer good service on a flank that at times seemed open to him.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7.0
Was maybe a little untested early on, and should have been on hand as Spurs hit the post. Regained himself and control became more assured. In a second half that was on a knife edge, he was able to remain alert and clear his lines when required.
Ibrahima Konate – 8.0
Had little to do early, and should have been tighter on Kane before he delivered a cross for the effort that struck the post. His athletic nature was a good recovery tool, as the home side targeted Trent. Was strong through the second half, and his return has seen two important wins follow.
Thiago Alcantara – 7.0
Looked neat and controlled early on, as Liverpool looked the more likely. Had a couple of sighters, and was clever in recycling possession. Had a good overall game in possession, and was able to keep the ball ticking over.
Fabinho – 7.0
Had to be positionally correct, and snapped into challenges through the opening period. A great foil for Thiago & Harvey to impact play, and continued to put in a good shift through a defensive second period.
Harvey Elliott – 7.0
Came back in for the injured Milner. Nice passing and movement for the opening goal, and generally was the nice in and out mover for Mo to move inside. The second half was tough, as the off ball work increased
Subbed – 74 mins
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
Started bright, then exploded with great movement and passing before a clinical opening goal. The second goal was pure class and composure, with a superior finish making it 0-2. The second half was obviously quieter, but he was always able to occupy two defenders, which in itself aided the team.
Subbed – 94 mins
Roberto Firmino – 6.0
Lovely touch for the opening goal, and is looking a lovely linking piece between the two strikers. He worked hard and was always on hand to offer more hands in midfield. Another average game, but the selfless work is creating space for others to shine.
Subbed – 74 mins
Darwin Nunez – 7.0
Looked so dangerous from the outset with some incisive runs in behind, and a couple of good early efforts. His awareness improved to assist Mo for the opening goal. His raw nature was unpredictable and thus hard for Spurs to contain. His ability to draw the defensive shape is constant, and that enthusiasm is becoming intoxicating.
Subbed – 87 mins
Subs;
Jordan Henderson – 5.0 (on 74)
Fresher legs, though offered little defensive shield.
Curtis Jones – 5.0 (on 74)
Hard to impress at his point of entry.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 8.0
Brought Robbo & Darwin in as expected, and kept the shape that beat Napoli.
He must be delighted to be seeing Ibou making such an impression, and the team was more resilient and offered more team unity out of possession.
This is good, and the signs of recovery are good, especially with some notable competition dropping points.
Reasonable subs helped to disrupt Spurs, and he’ll be extremely pleased to see Mo looking so deadly.
