Player ratings: Liverpool 0-0 Man United
Well that was a tense affair. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it, a mixture of frustration and relief in equal measure. Anyway, let’s see how the lads got on.
Alisson (9) – It can be easy to forget Alisson’s brilliance, as he can go a number of games at a time and be a virtual spectator. When called upon however, he shows why he’s considered the best in the world. Played the sweeper role perfectly, his reading of the game is brilliant and his timing is generally spot on. One dodgy moment when one of his clearances found Cavani but two brilliant point blank saves second half, to salvage a point for us. Enough to earn him this week’s McMOTM.
TAA (5) – Trent’s struggles this season continue. I’m not going to be too critical defensively as with Shaq and Salah ahead of him, he wasn’t getting much protection. Going forward though, his crossing ability has completely deserted him. Scuffing them, hitting the first man. There’s no conviction in his attacking play at the moment and he looks desperately short on confidence.
Henderson (7) – Looked much more comfortable at CB than he did in the Southampton game and contributed to keeping Fernandes quiet. Tried to replicate Virgil’s long diagonals out from the back with mixed success but solid display from the skipper.
Fabinho (8) – Unlucky to miss out on McMOTM as he put in a top display. No nonsense challenge on Martial first half, excellent block across the 6 yard box and dealt brilliantly with Rashford when one on one. Looks like he’s been playing CB all his life.
Robertson (7) – Dealt well with the threat of Pogba and Rashford, was busy throughout and put some good deliveries into the box. The problem for Robbo at the moment is he’s getting in good positions and there’s either nobody in the box, or nobody in space for him to pick out. Almost set up Firmino with a tempting ball across the face of goal second half.
Thiago (7.5) – Brilliant first half and for the opening half hour, was really pulling the strings. Skipped past Fernandes like he wasn’t there on more than one occasion and displayed some of his passing range, although looked a little rusty in that department at times as well. Showed he’s not scared to snap into a tackle and I mentioned on the thread, he has numerous interceptions per game that often go unnoticed. Class player who will only improve with more minutes.
Shaqiri (7) – Looked really bright first half, showing his quality on the ball and picked Mane out with a brilliant pass. He is lax when it comes to the defensive side of the game however, as was witnessed on a number of occasions where Trent was left exposed. Personally, when Shaq plays I favour a 4-2-3-1. Get him closer to goal with less defensive responsibilities.
Wijnaldum (5) – Gini had one of those games where he was all but invisible. I remember him having a blocked shot first half and messing up an attack second and then I’m struggling to remember him the rest of the game. As a senior player, he needs to do more in a game like this.
Salah (5) – Still picking the fluff from Shaw’s pocket out his hair. Nothing came off for him today, ran down numerous blind alleys and found himself with very few shooting opportunities. One he did have second half, he had to hit it first time but tried to cut back and the opportunity was lost. Hasn’t looked his usual ruthless self for a number of weeks now.
Firmino (4) – Stank the place out. For every good game Bobby has at the moment, there’s five games like this. His finishing is so poor, every time I see it’s Bobby that the chance is falling to, I sigh as I know he’s not scoring. Three big chances today but one in particular, a free hit from 8 yards and he scuffs it into the keepers hands. Underhit so many passes in the game as well. Some nice footwork and a nice back heel to Mane but that wasn’t enough to salvage his score. His place is under real threat when Jota comes back, if he can’t find some form.
Mane (6) – Was at least threatening to get in behind United and letting Wan Bissaka know he was in a game. His passing was off though and didn’t seem to be able to find the same wavelength as his attacking teammates. Became too predictable in the end and really struggled to find any shooting opportunities.
Subs:
Jones (6) – Tried to inject some life back into our midfield but the pattern of the game was set by the time he came on. Offered Trent a bit more support however.
Origi (N/A) – Won a corner.
Milner (N/A) – Fresh legs to see out the draw in stoppage time.
Klopp-watch (5) – The manager can’t account for poor finishing but I thought he got his formation wrong. When Shaqiri plays as an 8, yes you get better quality passing from midfield but our control isn’t the same. He’s far more suited to the right wing or as a 10. My biggest criticism of Klopp in these games is he waits so long to change it, when it clearly isn’t working. He could’ve stuck Salah up top when it was clear Shaw had the beating of him today and substitutions came too late. We’re nowhere near crisis mode but Klopp does have to find an answer to our attacking woes. Three league games without a goal now and we don’t look like scoring. The boss has some thinking to do.
Summary
Disappointing result then but I want to maintain a sense of perspective. I know we’re struggling in attack but two out of first choice three midfielders are playing at CB. As brilliant as Fabinho has been at CB, we miss his dominance in midfield and our midfield never looks quite right when Hendo isn’t in it. We can’t get close to a settled team at the moment, the midfield and defence are chopping and changing every game and I think that is going some way to our lack of attacking cohesion, although our forwards are certainly suffering a loss of individual form as well, as has Trent.]
Burnley at home up next on Thursday and although it may be lowly Burnley, it feels like a massive game for our season. Beat Burnley, stay in the mix and then hopefully Matip will be back, with Jota not far behind him. Burnley are tailor made for Nat Phillips as well so hopefully we’ll see him start at CB and allow Hendo back into midfield. Whatever Klopp decides, it’s a must win game and I’m nervous about it already. That’s it for this week folks. Walk on!!
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