Player ratings: Everton 0-0 Liverpool
After three months in the footballing wilderness we finally returned to action but it was with more of a pop than a bang. Not the easiest ratings to write in the first game back, so will we just call it straight 6’s and go home? No? Fair enough, on we go.
Alisson (7.5) – Could have watched the majority of the game from the stands, so little involvement did he have but as with all top goalkeepers, when eventually called upon, he made two smart saves in the final 10 minutes to prevent a smash and grab by Everton. Purely on the basis of the rest of our team being average at best, I feel only Alisson made a game changing contribution and on that basis alone, he’s named as this week’s McMOTM.
TAA (6.5) – Heavily involved but his normally trusty passing and crossing just wasn’t at its usual level today as he made a number of loose passes and his set pieces weren’t at their usual high standard. First game back though, so I don’t want to be too critical and one of our better players on the night. Never hid and looked to make something happen until the end, just not his night.
Matip (6) – A fairly comfortable night for him defensively. Squandered a good headed chance from a corner, although the ball was just slightly lower than he would have liked. Carried the ball forward well but went off with what looked like an Achilles injury, which is a worry. I think it was an impact injury though from a kick, so hopefully just a sore one.
Van Dijk (7) – Richarlison tried to wind him up before the game but Virgil went through this game in third gear. Everton tried to play direct but Virgil dealt with it and could probably play that game again straight away, as the Everton forwards caused minimal fuss to our back four for the first 80 minutes. Missed Salah for his long diagonal passes.
Milner (6) – Quite harshly booked for a tackle on Richarlison – he was just reminding him it was a derby and then worryingly went off first half with a hamstring injury. If it’s a tear, that’ll be the end of his season.
Fabinho (7) – A couple of loose passes in the opening five minutes but then settled into the game and looked more like the Fabinho we knew pre-injury. Breaking up play and snuffing out danger at its source, he was a big part of us winning the midfield battle. Showed a willingness to carry the ball forward and struck a decent free kick towards the end. Hopefully the break has allowed his ankle to heal properly and we’ll have the old Fabinho back.
Henderson (7) – I feel first game back after such a prolonged break, Hendo did the job we needed him to tonight, in as much as being everywhere, very organised and vocal. Was constantly busy throughout and along with Fabinho, dominated the midfield battle in an attempt to let the flair players flourish. Didn’t quite work out tonight but a solid first game back from the skipper.
Keita (6.5) – Struggled to influence the early stages but grew into the first half as the game wore on. Lovely turn on Andre Gomes and showed some nice link up play. One thing I’ll say is he looks more confident and comfortable in his surroundings. If he can put his injury woes behind him, I think we can all see what a player he could be for us. Was a bit disappointed to see him go off quite early but I can see why Klopp is using all his subs at this time.
Minamino (6.5) – The kid seems to have a really good attitude, he works really hard and you can see he’s got technical ability but he just isn’t a wide player. He wants the ball to feet and doesn’t have the pace to run in behind. I said on the thread that he and Firmino were doing the same job, both dropping into deep, central areas and then looking forward. I do think he can play the Firmino role or as a 10 but I just don’t see him as a wide player. A more positive showing from him though.
Firmino (5.5) – When Bobby is on it, he’s really on it but when he’s not, he has games like tonight. Couldn’t get involved, struggled to influence and when we did get into a good position, instead of playing Keita in, scuffed a poor left footed effort wide. Possibly missed Salah but can play far better.
Mane (6) – Like the rest of the front three, struggled to really influence the game but was good in patches. Was a nice back heel to set up Firmino for the aforementioned drag wide but no doubt missing Robbo was what was wrong with Sadio’s game tonight 😉
Subs:
Ox (6) – We were better second half after Ox came on as he provided a more physical aspect to our attacking play but you don’t see the best of Ox from a wide position. Bit of a square peg in a round hole. Hopefully see him back in midfield against Palace as he was brilliant in that position against Atletico before the break.
Wijnaldum (5.5) – Struggled to have an impact on the game, just kept the midfield ticking over. Some valuable minutes in the legs.
Origi (5.5) – Similar to Gini, ran around and got some minutes in the legs.
Gomez (7) – Scored an extra point for two reasons. He was heavily involved from left back in an attacking sense, which isn’t his forte and when you see the replay of Everton hitting the post, you see Joe gets a vital block on it. Well done lad.
Lovren (5) – Only on the pitch 5 minutes when he’s getting into some kind of pushing match and falling over, conceding a good chance in the process. Same old Lovren. Please get rid this summer, we’ve suffered Dejan long enough.
Klopp-watch (5) – I think Klopp got his selection all wrong with starting Minamino on the right. He should have started Mane right and Origi left as he has in the past. It isn’t perfect but at least with Origi’s pace, we don’t have to change tactically. We do though if we’re playing Mini.
If Mini was going to start, he should have been given a free role from the left, the way Coutinho used to and move Mane to the right. He can’t play as a like for like with Salah, that much is clear. I also think Origi should have come on at halftime and then Ox on for Keita. As it was, we were disjointed all night and could never get any attacking rhythm going.
Don’t get me wrong, Salah and Robbo returning will make a big difference but I wasn’t impressed with the way we used our attacking squad players.
Summary:
I don’t want to be too critical. It’s the first game back after an unprecedented situation and there’s bound to be some rustiness and cobwebs around the squad. Ultimately, it’s another point towards our ultimate goal and if we need to draw our way to the title, I could live with that.
We will improve however no doubt. We came up against a stubborn, well organised Everton team and came away with a hard earned point so although the game itself was a bit deflating, it was one of our tougher remaining fixtures and once again, we weren’t beaten.
On to our old foes Palace on Wednesday then. Hopefully Salah and Robbo will be back for that one and we can get back to winning ways. That’s it for this week then troops, walk on.
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