Liverpool 2 – 1 Leicester – Premier League Player Ratings
Starting XI
Alisson Becker – 6.0
The worlds greatest keeper, it’s a joy to have him back. Could do little for the opening goal and had to react well after that. Was a little too busy through the second half, without really having to over extend himself.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0
Had to start after his great display versus Villa. Produced a great interception in the first half, whilst his drilled cross led to the equaliser. Was aware and tremendously alert in his defensive work, and had some very good moments on the ball. His second half performance really ramped up, with a clear desire to ensure no mistakes came from his zone.
Subbed – 85 mins
Andy Robertson – 6.0
His energy meant Klopp resisted the urge to rotate Kostas in. His endeavour was good through the first, but the final ball was poor. Came off with a suspected injury.
Subbed – 61 mins
Joel Matip – 6.0
Looked steady next to Virgil once more, so started with Ibou waiting in the wings. Got drawn too high and wide for the opening goal. Improved through the half. Had a steady second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
Our leader in defence is so important, and he was dragged about as the midfield couldn’t stop the runners straight at them. Was decisive in his second half defending and kept the Leicester attacks at bay.
Thiago Alcantara – 7.0
A quiet game at Villa Park, he certainly was happy to be more involved this evening as he seemed to be holding the midfield together by himself. He kept plugging away, as the game got more open through the second period.
Harvey Elliott – 5.0
Came in for Fab, with Keita the common Thiago alternate. Couldn’t compete physically, and was mostly ineffective through the first half. Shifted to the left, but equally lacking in that final ball.
Subbed – 85 mins
Jordan Henderson – 4.0
Into the holding role with his Brazilian colleague in the maternity room. Lost his runner (and the chance to land a tackle) for the opening goal. Couldn’t match the burst of the Leicester midfield runners and nearly gifted a second goal with a horrible pass. Had a good shot slide just wide in the second half, as the reds ramped up their pressure. Was slightly better through the second as the game really opened up.
Mohamed Salah – 6.0
A certain starter as the reds most influential attacker. Unlucky with his disallowed goal but was a constant and willing outlet, especially as the second half picked up lace. Had a couple of half chances in the second, as a scrappy game evolved.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – 5.0
A good outing earlier in the week, but was mostly anonymous through the first half. A hard working shift was evident, but he couldn’t match the attacking threat of his forward partners.
Subbed – 61 mins
Darwin Nunez – 7.0
Caused havoc on Boxing Day, and tonight was about adding that clinical touch. His burst of speed was incredible at times and the second goal was all about his desire. The second half was edge of your seat stuff whenever he got on the ball, and once more you were aching to see him score that goal.
Subs;
Naby Keita – 6.0 (on 61)
Came on to add control.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 61)
Like for like change, he showed good work and culture in possession.
Stefan Bajcetic – 5.0 (on 85)
Came in to add physicality.
Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 85)
Again to add a more defensive look.
Doak – N/A (on 88)
More minutes.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 6.0
Went with a good starting line up with the mild rotation, that was due to Fabinho being absent for personal reasons. With Cody Gakpo waiting to emerge next month, this game became all about attaining maximum points.
Missing Fab was so evident through the opening stages, with his skipper looking slow and out of position so often. Dropping behind was all about the midfield being unable to track runners or control zones, but the reds were lucky enough to see Leicester at times hapless in defence.
Coming into half time with a lead probably saved him from going crazy, but the openness of his team really should have been addressed. The lack on control saw him call on Naby, but the game just continued to be an open and dramatic affair, with the game just waiting for the next goal at times.
Was reactive with his substitutions, but would love to have more players to call upon.
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 4 – 0 Leicester
