Leicester 0 – 3 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 8.0
Had a marvellous early stop (against Jamie Vardy), which allowed the reds to maintain a first half clean sheet. Made a wonderful single hand stop shortly after the resumption, to once again prove why he is the world’s best. Was quick off his line and assertive in his play.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 9.0
Moments of brilliance and a keen desire to impact the reds attack, would best describe his energetic first half display. The counter attacks (and his high positioning in transition) still require some tactical training, yet the ingredients are all there. The second half was about control and patience, until Trent decided to end the game. With a simply taken touch (from a free kick) from Mohamed Salah, he was able to blast the ball into the top corner from 25-yards. A brilliant display in front of the watching England manager.
Andy Robertson – 7.0
Perhaps too high, too often, in an entertaining first half display. He wanted to get forward at every opportunity, which created a two-man defense scenario a few too many times. His energy and willingness to cover ground made up for this, with a solid enough game in an evolving shape and system.
Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0
His ferocious physicality shone brightly at times, with a want to combat the opposition at every opportunity. He allows so much of this system to work, with a monstrous ability to cover ground and confront oncoming attacks.
Virgil van Djik – 7.0
His leadership of the back line was key in the first half, as the game looked too open at times. The quick double (0-2) changed the game and he was able to keep his back line assured. Glided through the rest of the game with a calm and confident manner.
Curtis Jones – 9.0
A wonderful double strike in the first half gave the entire team, management, and crowd, the relief that was badly needed. The first goal came from his constant willingness to break forward, with a superbly taken strike across the keeper. The second goal was pure skill and instinct, with a brilliant shot beyond their beleaguered keeper. His second half contribution was about positional control and energy, which he delivered with ease.
Subbed 84 mins
Fabinho – 8.0
Was assured and positionally smart in a rather frenetic first half. Held the middle ground well and allowed the fluidity of this system to evolve and change shape around him. A solid citizen who is revelling in some of the brilliance around him.
Jordan Henderson – 6.0
Showed a keen interest in the attacking patterns of play, as the reds hunted a lead in a tense first period. Looked to recycle the ball and work the areas between Salah & Trent. A solid outing.
Subbed – 73 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
Came into his own at times, with some wonderfully intelligent touches and movement. He was able to play the false nine role so well, as movement and quick interchanges often ran through him. With a middle role that seems to intertwine the system, he is quickly becoming indispensable to the team.
Luis DÃaz – 7.0
Perhaps overplayed his hand at times, as the urgency in the first half was apparent. His maverick style unsettled a worried and confused back line, with instances threatening to create something special. Tailed off a little in the second half, as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Subbed – 73 mins
Mohamed Salah – 8.0
The master provider in the first half, he is really developing into a wonderful creator of chances, whilst still looking venomously dangerous at times. His third assist was a little less incisive, yet still served its purpose. The touch on the third goal (a free kick) was perfectly weighted for TAA to produce a wonderful strike around and beyond the wall. Should have scored a fourth, yet had too much time to pick his spot.
Subbed – 88 mins
Subs;
Diogo Jota 5.0 (on 73)
Came on to try and continue his return to form.
James Milner – 5.0 (on 73)
Came in to add a little bite in the closing stages.
Fábio Carvalho – 5.0 (on 84)
Nice to see the young man get some minutes.
Harvey Elliott – 5.0 (on 88)
Came on.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
A busy first half performance was tinged with the intensity levels of old, with some renewed and viable hope of Champions League qualification in sight. The system is still being learned by a re-emerging reds team, with the manager looking very animated from the side-lines.
The first half was about taking chances, which his young midfielder delivered in quick succession. The second half was about control and killing the game off, which his sensational hybrid 66 delivered with aplomb.
Pre-match Prediction;
Leicester 1 – 3 Liverpool
