Player Ratings: Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool a.e.t
The FA Cup quarter final stage represents perhaps the lowest remaining point of importance for Liverpool this season, however, the opposition made this encounter a must win away day for the reds. The game was ferocious and really should have seen the reds advance within the initial 90-minutes, yet the script did not go to plan.
The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Starting Eleven
Caoimhin Kelleher – 6.0
The 25-year-old Irishman has solidified himself as the form keeper in the Premier League this calendar year, which makes the continued absence of Alisson Becker an easier pill to swallow. The opening goal was a mixture of good home play and Liverpool’s lacklustre start. The remainder of the first period was solid and exactly what was needed. In the second period, the depute was busy enough without coming under too much pressure. The late equaliser was a tough blow, as through a crowd of players, the conceding keeper would have been unsighted. As extra time emerged, the third and fourth goals conceded were very well taken.
Joe Gomez – 6.0
The England international defender started at right back, with a remit to shackle Marcus Rashford and his elite level of play. The work and resilience of the former Charlton man was vital as the England forward looked to penetrate through the first 45-minutes. The second half was more a case of being alert, as his continuing role of right back eventually switched flanks. As the game went into extra time, the 6ft 2inch utility man departed as his levels dropped with fatigue.
Andy Robertson – 6.0
The Scotland international captain is now back into the first team elite with a requirement to hold onto his place. His first half showing was a little unsure as his usual high intensity game was shackled by United’s desire to counter. His production higher up the pitch was too lacking; however, his defensive work was solid. (Subbed – 77 mins)
Jarell Quansah – 7.0 (Man of the Match)
The England under-21 international defender started this game as one of the reds stand out players this season. His positional play and defensive ability were very good in the first half, as the two English giants went head-to-head. After the restart, the 6ft 3inch academy graduate really started to dictate play as he strode effortlessly into the midfield, without ever looking susceptible to incoming attacks. Unfortunately, a late equaliser scuppered the reds plans, which saw the 21-year-old advance into overtime, where his teammates let him down.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team, his composure and determination were on point despite the surprise opening goal conceded. The open nature of the FA Cup quarter final meant that varying issues had to be dealt with within the Dutchman’s half, which he continually achieved to the highest order. The world’s greatest central defender maybe could have aided his team in seeing out the game, as the late equalizer pushed his men into extra time. The added minutes did it cover anyone in glory.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was involved in an awful lot of work through a frenzied first half. His on and off ball work was a much-needed enterprise, as the FA Cup fever overtook an excited Old Trafford crowd. As the reds took the lead close to the end of that opening period, the second half began in similar lung busting fashion, which needed him and his Japanese teammate to coordinate, something which was undertaken to the highest order, until a late goal forced extra time. The goal was smart and though it was a deflected effort, it allowed his team back into the game.
Wataru Endō – 6.0
The Japan international captain was a busy boy in the middle, as the game state continued to explode into end-to-end action. The entirety of his time on the pitch required energy and a combative nature, something that now comes effortlessly to the reds starting holding midfielder. The open nature did seem to become too much later as the pitch seem to get very big.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian skipper looked bright and resurgent, as the tie of the round needed his energy and speed to try and end the tie. He looked like an ‘edge of the box’ threat whenever he received the ball and his desire to penetrate was clear, with his insistence on driving towards the United penalty area. (Subbed – 72 mins)
Luis Díaz – 6.0
The Colombian flyer was that wide and unpredictable dribbling tool that offered continual movement and an outlet for such an open and entertaining game. His final decision was often left wanting in the first hour of the game, as the balance of the tie remained in the balance. Continued wasteful play was the ongoing struggle, before being replaced very late on. (Subbed – 113 mins)
Darwin Núñez – 6.0
The Uruguayan Raging Bull was hard to control and effective in his role in the reds attack. The assist for the opening goal was matched by his effort and subsequent creation of the second. Unfortunately, the product after 1-2 was lacking and the game proceeded into extra time as a result. The last goal conceded was due to the former Benfica man’s wayward pass and sadly that was his major contribution to extra time.
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King finally started a game, after a productive return in the last week. This was not his most influential performance, yet given the world class level often expected, it was by no means an off day for the record-breaking scorer. His goal was a poacher’s effort and despite being targeted for some man to man marking, he was on target when it mattered most. (Subbed – 77 mins)
Subs
Harvey Elliott – 7.0 (on 72)
Came on to offer energy yet indecision was too apparent, until extra time when he scored to take the scores to 2-3.
Conor Bradley – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer width and penetration.
Cody Gakpo – 4.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer something different, which did not pay off.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5.0 (on 101)
Came on to offer width and a different approach.
Bobby Clark – N/A (on 113)
Came on.
The Manager
Jürgen Klopp – 6.0
The German manager went with his strongest possible starting eleven, however, the game plan was thrown out of the window by an end-to-end game of FA Cup football, which meant many patterns of play appeared to be instinctive and fluffed to often
The first half ended much better than the early conceded goal allowed, as he side stumbled to kill of game that should not have been a stretch.
The second half substitutions appeared to be more premeditated, which maybe took some fire away from the visiting team, yet the extra time minutes and final couple of team talks failed to ignite his tired men into the semifinals.
Pre-match Prediction
Manchester United 1 – 2 Liverpool
Steven Smith
