Liverpool 0 – 1 Crystal Palace: How did Jurgen Klopp’s Players Perform?

This Super Sunday encounter came after the disaster in the week and the disappointment of the previous weekend at Old Trafford. A response was needed, yet the desired performance was far from that which was expected as their title chances faded away.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 7.0

The returning Brazilian was fully expected to instil more confidence into the group, however, the start by his defence was woeful and the opening goal offered him limited protection.

More opportunities to score were gifted to the visitors, though the none were able to beat the giant keeper, with one helping hand (or foot) from Andy Robertson. He was far less busy after the restart, as his team started to push their intensity levels to a more adequate position. A tremendous close-range stop kept his team in the match, as the reds searched for something.

Conor Bradley – 5.0

The young Northern Irishman quite rightly returned to the team, after the starting fullbacks underwhelmed on Thursday evening. The desire to attack was not matched by the forwards as the first half was a limitation in levels by the reds. The second half injury is a worry.

Subbed – 52 mins

Andy Robertson- 6.0

The Scotland international skipper was a certainty starter for this must win game. With some good crossing from his flank, it was still the amazing goal line clearance which stood out in a solid first half outing. After the break, the former Hull man was keen to offer width and service, as the energy increased within the surrounding group.

Ibrahima Konaté – 4.0

The France international defender was poor against Atalanta and in the first half (essentially for the first goal), the giant starter was again strangely absent from his normal levels. As the man that was lately targeted, his usual calm was not ideal as a battle with the Palace front men challenged him in a cagey second half.

Virgil van Dijk – 5.0

The captain and leader of this team is a continuing necessity for his manager and vital to the Premier League title charge. His laid-back demeanour and first half showing was a worry and it almost gifted a second goal to the Eagles. As the came ambled into the second half, he pushed his line high and tried to encourage more from his teammates.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina World Cup winner is a must start asset for Liverpool, therefore, his continued presence is paramount to success. The first half was a disjointed display, as he and his coworkers just could not find rhythm in that horrible first half. The second half was an improvement as more tenacity became evident.

Wataru Endō – 3.0

The Japan captain was poor in his time on the pitch, with an inability to dominate his zone. A good chance to score was the standout moment for the usually reliable enforcer.

Subbed – 45 mins

Curtis Jones – 4.0

The former under-23 skipper started once more, with a clear desire to get more football into the legs of the controlling midfielder.

The first half was turgid but with a more balanced middle ground, the second half started better for the 23-year-old who started to link play and passages of possession between the midfield and attack. A guilt edged chance to level the game was scuppered when one on one, as the opportunities came and went.

Subbed – 82 mins

Luis Díaz – 4.0

The Colombian flyer came back in with a remit to cause damage. Unfortunately, only one good opportunity to score presented itself in a wholly unforgettable first half display. The second half was not any better.

Subbed – 65 mins

Darwin Núñez – 4.0

The Uruguayan Raging Bull started once more as the tip of the Anfield spear. His tenacity was never in doubt, though his finesse and composure are still a variety of unpredictable play. The second half was slightly more measured and he should have opened the reds scoring with a close-range effort.

Subbed – 65 mins

Mohamed Salah – 4.0

The Egyptian King was very quiet in the opening half and it was only his potency in front of goal which kept him a viable candidate to stay on the pitch. In the second period, the former Roma man was more involved and looked to create opportunities for his teammates.

Subs

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 45)

Came on to offer more urgency.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.0 (on 52)

Came on to offer more creativity and desire.

Diogo Jota – 5.0 (on 65)

Came on to offer more clinical edge, which was absent with a couple of great chances.

Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 65)

Came on to increase the energy.

Harvey Elliott – 4.0 (on 82)

Came on to offer a last gasp chance of creation.

The Manager

Jürgen Klopp – 4.0

The German manager picked the team that should have easily outmatched a limited adversary; however, the starting passage was again horrible and the lack of intensity so evident in a bad first half of football.

The half time introduction of Dominik Szoboszlai was 45 minutes late and the next raft of alterations much needed to change the situation of the game. The game just faded away and there was nothing left in the tank of the soon to be departed manager.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Crystal Palace

Steven Smith