Liverpool 2 – 0 Everton PL Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The reds player of the season, and so important to Liverpool in all games. Had a quiet opening period, as the reds looked to take the play to their neighbours. Was strong under pressure as the reds doubled their lead.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0
Thrown into the mix once more, with an ambition to play him into form. He looked lively and aggressive in the final third from the start, with some dangerous deliveries from wide. His assist and drive for the second goal was perfection.
Andy Robertson – 8.0
Relieved of the armband, his energy is always a vital starting ingredient for Klopp. Was the more defensive fullback, with young Bajčetić just ahead of him. Was brilliant for the second goal, driving through a pocket of space.
Joe Gomez – 8.0
Perhaps the reds most in form starting centre back right now, which isn’t saying much. He started strong, looking to win the ball with purpose, and be positive in his passing. Looked calm and controlled through a dominant second half.
Joel Matip – 7.0
Lucky to start ahead of Nat Phillips, after his horror show against Wolves last weekend. A horrible touch in the opening minutes nearly left the Toffees in on goal. Was good on the ball, as he tried to start attacks from deep.
Stefan Bajčetić – 9.0
Continues to impress, and kept his place ahead of Naby. He started strong, with some strong challenges early on. Kept snapping away and making good decisions through a controlled first period. His second half saw a confident manner grow, with more urgency to drive forward.
Subbed – 89 mins
Fabinho – 7.0
Back in to add some much-needed physicality. He patrolled well, whilst facilitating possession around him. Was that steady preventer of counters, with his partners also carrying their own weight. Kept a solid screen as the reds went 2-0 up, and was able to snuff out danger easily.
Jordan Henderson – 7.0
The skipper returned to the starting line-up, after an omission which lasted four games. Showed a desire to impress from the start, with some good urgency. He was decent on and off the ball, with an intent to make an impact.
Subbed – 79 mins
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
Another start, with the hope that time would help the Egyptian King regain his usual form. He was continually crowded out through the opening exchanges, until the opportunity arose which saw him tuck smartly past Pickford. From there he looked livelier and more dynamic, as his team took full control. His awareness and weight of pass for the second goal helped produce another superb counter.
Subbed – 89 mins
Cody Gakpo – 7.0
After a difficult start, he retained his place in order to find some consistency in the forward line. Drafted into that central role once more, he should have done better with a close-range effort early in the game. His movement was good, with his pacy partners running off and around him. His energy and intent to make the back post for the second goal was a lovely moment for him. An impressive run and pass into Darwin nearly made it three, as his impression continued to grow.
Subbed – 79 mins
Darwin Nunez – 9.0
Our Raging Bull, it was always going to be important to get his pace and power back into a rhythm. His early running caused issues for the away side, as the games tempo started at the expected rate. His purpose and endeavour created the opening goal for Mo, as the Ev could handle his acceleration on the counter. Had a half chance early in the second half, where he worked it well to force a save. Perhaps a surprise to see him withdrawn so early, but probably more a case of protecting that which is now so important.
A good response. A good Merseyside victory for the manager.
Subbed – 69 mins
Subs;
Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 69)
Came on to a huge ovation.
Roberto Firmino – 5.0 (on 79)
A welcome return.
James Milner – 6.0 (on 79)
Came in to add a little more legs, as the skipper began to tire. A great last-ditch challenge as the Ev broke.
Harvey Elliott – N/A (on 89)
Naby Keita – N/A (on 89)
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 8.0
With Thiago out injured, the main call was who would come in. The resulting starting line-up clearly saw him picking his array from midfielders that would add the most physical presence.
He would have been delighted with his sides first half energy and purpose, with first and second balls being won across the pitch. The high paced opening goal was a glimpse of the true reds attacking patterns of play, with a delightful surge forward producing the half’s only goal.
The second half was a relentless wave of strength from the reds, as Anfield reacted to the desire of their home side. The second goal was another counterattack which produced a well-deserved goal for Gakpo.
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 2 Everton
