Player ratings: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace
A really enjoyable game yesterday as Palace came to Anfield and were a little unlucky to be on the receiving end of a 3-0 score line, as they were highly competitive throughout. Once again though, our boys found the answer. Let’s see how they got on.
Alisson (8) – One dodgy moment when he found himself in no man’s after a touch from Zaha looped over his head. Recovered well however and was excellent throughout the rest of the game. Safe handling and reading of the game on point as he intercepted a number of Palace balls over the top. Like an extra outfield player with the ball at his feet. Goalkeeping total package.
Milner (8.5) – What a player Milner is. Yesterday he had the most touches, the most passes, the most passes in the opposition half, the most crosses, the most tackles, covered the most distance and made the most sprints. As a supposedly over the hill midfielder playing at RB. Top display from him and you can see he’s enjoying the more lenient refereeing. For the reasons listed above, Milner is this week’s McMOTM.
Konate (7) – Good to get our first look at our new signing and a win and clean sheet is just what you want as a CB making your debut. His game was a bit of a mixed bag however, as he made a nervy start and the odd communication breakdown with Virgil and Milner but that’s to be expected from a new player. Showed his ability in one v ones against Benteke and later Zaha, looks to have good pace and the physicality is there no doubt. Promising start.
Van Dijk (7.5) – The big man looks back to his imperious best, dominating forwards and spraying the ball about from the back like a midfielder. Given arguably his sternest test of the season so far but even with a much changed back four, looked as unruffled as ever.
Tsimikas (7) – Once again showed himself to be a highly competent fullback, his attacking play and crossing in particular are at a very high standard. Very dodgy moment in the box with Benteke however, on another day that could easily have been a penalty. Needs to be smarter than that but it’s great to see the depth we have at LB now. Unlike RB where generally there are a number of players in the squad capable of ‘doing a job’ there, LB is more of a specialist position and we’ve got brilliant depth in the position now.
Fabinho (7) – Was playing like a number 10 at times in the first half, as he was heavily involved in our attacking build up play. Second half however he was called into more defensive action as Palace rallied. Calming influence in the middle of the pitch.
Henderson (7) – High octane performance from the skipper, who looked out on his feet by the end. Looks to have a taste for goals after his midweek exploits but saw the funny side of one of his efforts when attempting an extremely difficult, left foot half volley. Did force the keeper into a good save with another volley on his stronger foot however. Showed his experience when picking up a cynical booking, when he knew Zaha was past him and the counter was on.
Thiago (7.5) – Was spraying the ball about nicely in midfield, his cross field passes are so effortless and without Trent and Robbo in the team, it was Thiago who took responsibility for switching our play. Forced a food save from the keeper with a headed chance. Gutted to see him go off injured. Hopefully it’s not too serious.
Salah (8) – I feel Salah’s game has gone up a level this season and what we’re seeing now is the finished article. His first touch and passing used to be erratic but his touch is absolutely sublime now, his ball retention is much better than it used to be as well and of course, we know how lethal he is in front of goal. We need to get him signed up to that new contract as trying to replace Mo Salah would be extremely difficult, as well as extremely costly.
Jota (5) – Far from Jota’s best game for us. Must still be wondering how he managed to blaze that rebound over from about two yards out and struggled to make an impact throughout. Needs to do more if he wants to keep Bobby out the starting lineup on a more regular basis once the Brazilian returns to fitness.
Mane (8) – This was the Mane we’ve been waiting on returning. Looked strong and sharp throughout, rewarded with the opening goal but there was a moment first half when he was caught with three Palace players around him. Dragged the ball forward between his feet past two, nutmegged the third and forced his way clear. That was the moment I knew the real Mane was back. Long may it last.
Subs:
Keita (7) – Oh my days Naby, what a strike lad. Just oozed technique with that controlled left foot volley from distance. As usual with Naby, after three games under his belt, he starts to remind us what a good player he is. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that the usual cycle of three games followed by three months out, is behind him.
Jones (6) – Looked really bright when he came on. Receives and carries the ball really well. Will be hoping for more minutes in the coming weeks.
Origi (N/A) – Late sub but did some nice defensive work and it was good to hear the crowd get behind him.
Kloppwatch (10) – Not sure what else I can score the manager, he changed three of the back four, vital rotation for Robbo and Matip, gave a new signing his debut and we still ran out 3-0 winners. His first sub also scored a goal of the season contender. Not much more you can ask for as a manager.
Summary
You have to say, we’re looking very strong this season and from what I’ve seen so far this season, if all the big teams avoid significant injuries, I think it’s between ourselves and Chelsea this season. We have by far the two most balanced teams, United are top heavy and something just doesn’t seem right at City this season.
Injuries are the only concern as we saw Thiago limp off. We seem to be losing a player a game at the moment and with the scars of last season still fresh, I can’t help but feel a little anxious about it. At the moment however, we’ve more than enough squad depth to cover the players currently missing and you would expect Firmino won’t be far away from a return to fitness.
The games are coming thick and fast now and we’ve got Norwich in the Carabou cup on Thursday, where you would expect Klopp to ring the changes again, with Ox and Curtis likely to get some minutes, along with Origi and Minamino, assuming he’s back to full fitness. Kostas will likely keep his place and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a CB pairing of Phillips and Gomez. With the depth we have in the squad now, I’d like to see us go a bit further in the domestic cups this season.
Anyway that’s it for today troops. Walk on!
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