Starting XI
Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0
Was a bystander for much of the first half, with just a dodgy back pass by his captain causing issue in the opening 45 mins. Was called into action more in the second half, but was very assured in his work.
Calvin Ramsey – 8.0
Was solid through the first half, looking strong and energetic. Had a couple of efforts in that opening period, which showed the confidence of the young Scot. Was again very assured in his defensive work, and linked up well with those around him. A good game, a great prospect.
Kostas Tsimikas – 7.0
A quiet first half, but with plenty of movement up and down the line. A few average corners in an unspectacular opening period. Put in a lovely cross to the back stick early in the second half, as the reds ranked up the pressure. A constant outlet.
Nat Phillips – 7.0
He wins headers, and he crunches into tackles. He was strong through the first half, and looked dominant in all aerial battles through the opening 45 minutes. Acted as a good foil for his pacy partner as the reds pushed and squeezed the pitch.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
Probably a little too relaxed with that expectant back pass, but was cruising the first half at that point. A few good long range passes found there mark, and showed good leadership through a dominant opening period. Used his pace and experience to good effect as they hunted the sun in the second half.
Bobby Clark – 6.0
A little absent through the first half, as not too much went for him. Hard work and willingness was evident, but quiet for much of that first period. Likes to get involved more as the reds upped their second half.
Subbed – 66 mins
Stefan Bajetic – 7.0
Steady and controlled, as he glided through the first half. Showed good anticipation throughout, and seemed the senior player in midfield at times. Got a little tired in the second period, and a little loose with the ball as the game quickened.
Melkamu Frauendorf – 7.0
Showed lovely pace, good decisions, and tried to feed balls into the box through the first half. Did very well to put a header across the face of goal, and Ox should have done better. Showed great feet and confidence in the second half, and was able to create space with his movement.
Subbed – 66 mins
Fábio Carvalho – 7.0
Seemed far more comfortable as one of the more senior players, and was showing good touches, movement and decisions though that first spell. Picked up his game in the second half, and had a really good curling effort saved on 55 mins. Faded before leaving the field.
Subbed – 74 mins
Layton Stewart – 6.0
Should have opened the scoring, but blazed over the bar in the first half. Kept showing, but maybe lacked that composure on a big night for the lad.
Subbed – 66 mins
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 6.0
Had a good first half, showed good strength and decisions, and even had a good effort wiz just wide in the first half. Should have scored early in the second half, but for a good save. Had another sighter fly over, after a great header back across the box by Frauendorf. Looked rusty at times.
Subs;
Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 66)
Should have scored on 70 mins, as the cavalry came on.
Darwin Nunez – 6.0 (on 66)
Added urgency and a focal point, and had a half chance blaze over.
Roberto Firmino – 5.0 (on 66)
Had a good header that nearly won the game late on.
Ben Doak – 7.0 (on 74)
An exciting cameo.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 6.0
Complete rotation of the team was needed, with Southampton headed to Anfield on Saturday.
With Joe Gomez captaining the side, and only Alex Oxlade Chamberlain as the other senior players, it was certainly a team that would need to start strong.
His team was pretty dominant in the first half, with heavy possession of the ball.
The second half was more intense and he’ll be happy with some bright performances, but frustrated the game wasn’t won in the allotted time.
But being in the hat is all that counts.
