Player ratings: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham
If there’s two things I love, it’s Liverpool winning and Jose Mourinho crying, making last night’s result all the more enjoyable. A stressful watch but it was worth it. Let’s see how the lads got on.
Alisson (6) – I think he should’ve arguably done better with the Spurs goal. Beaten at his near post is never good for a keeper and his distribution was poor all night. Two in particular when trying to pick out Trent, one he just kicked out of play and the other passed straight to Kane who almost lobbed him. Played the sweeper role well but not Alisson’s finest night.
TAA (6) – Trent’s quiet start to the season continues. Every attack Spurs had came down his side, caught ball watching for their goal and his trademark delivery we’ve come to know and love, seems to have deserted him this season. I know he’s just back from injury but we need to start seeing last season’s Trent soon.
Williams (8) – Fair play to this kid, he’s been thrown in at the deep end but has coped more than admirably. Unlucky not to register an assist after a fine pass sent Salah through on goal and was so dominant in the air that Kane actually pulled off him and started targeting Fabinho in that aspect. Caught out for their goal but other than that, can be very proud of his night’s work.
Fabinho (8) – The plaudits just keep coming in for Fabinho at CB as he put in another excellent performance. A calming influence for Rhys and helped keep Kane quiet.
Robertson (9) – Brilliant from start to finish. Never stops running, rock solid defensively as Spurs got no joy down our left at all and should have had a hat trick of assists after putting one on a plate for both Firmino and Salah first half, only for them to make a mess of it and it was his glorious delivery that led to the winner. There will be cries of bias now, particularly from Canada I suspect however as I mentioned on the thread last night, it’s a 90 minute game, not a 90 second one and Robbo put in a near flawless display so to that end, earns last night’s McMOTM. Has been hands down our best player so far this season.
Henderson (8.5) – One of a few unlucky to miss out on McMOTM as our skipper very much set the tone for our display, playing a very disciplined holding role, maintains the teams tempo throughout. Long passing not quite at it though.
Wijnaldum (8) – In a 4KK first, even TP had to reluctantly concede how good Gini was last night. Brilliant in possession, some lovely one touch passing and used his strength brilliantly as we completely dominated the midfield battle. Come on Gini, get that contract signed.
Jones (8.5) – Young Curtis is growing into the shirt by the week, both literally and figuratively and in my opinion has usurped Keita and Ox in the pecking order. His driving runs caused Spurs problems all night, one leading to Salah’s goal and another creating a chance for himself that would’ve been a goal of the month contender had he converted it. At 19, the sky’s the limit for this kid.
Salah (7) – Scored his second fluke in his last three games but I’m sure he won’t care how they come. Overall though, his attacking play was fairly low on quality most of the night. Had two great chances first half but scuffed them both and then second half, for some reason he kept hugging the touch line, forcing Trent inside. This meant Trent was picking the ball up on the edge of the box while Salah was delivering crosses. We all know Salah couldn’t cross the road but is at his most dangerous picking the ball up on the edge of the box so I’m not quite sure what that was all about.
Firmino (8) – Much improved from Bobby who seems to be finding a little form since the return of the fans. Squandered a really good headed chance first half before forcing Loris into a good save. Faded second half but not so much that he wasn’t able to pop up with a brilliant header to win the game at the last.
Mane (7) – The goal drought continues then, although I don’t think anyone could say Mane isn’t playing well. Aurier looked physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the game last night and no wonder, he must’ve been dizzy Mane turned him so many times. Hit the bar from close range.
Kloppwatch (8) – The manager must be delighted with how we’re playing, considering our injury list and that was our biggest three points of the season so far. Hopefully doesn’t fall for Jose’s mind games and just laughs it off, as I’m sure he will. Didn’t make a single substitution though, once again making something of a mockery of his argument for five subs. Probably better just shut up about that one now Jurgen.
Summary
Mourinho and his mind games. They started before the match as he poured scorn on our injury crisis and they continued after the game with his farcical assessment that the better team lost last night.
Spurs were totally happy to play that game without the ball. At times they were playing with a back six and two holding midfielders. They couldn’t get out their box for huge portions of the first half. Now granted, it almost worked for them as they scored with their first attempt and missed a couple of big chances at the beginning of the second half but only one team was playing to win that game last night and it wasn’t Spurs. Jose is getting away with it just now because of their lofty league position but it’s only a matter of time before their fans and I suspect Harry Kane, start to get sick of the style of play.
Anyway, I’d written right up to this paragraph 4 hours ago and then got a call from my old apprentice and now it’s midnight so I’m just going to publish and maybe editing will add some pics in the morning haha. Walk on!
Recent Comments