Player ratings: Liverpool 5-3 Chelsea
After 30 long years, we saw our beloved reds finally get their hands on the Premier league trophy last night and what a game to mark the occasion. Without further ado, let’s see how the players got on.
Alisson (7) – Furious after conceding the first, as he knew he couldn’t retain his golden gloves once that went in. The fact however that he is only one behind, despite missing almost quarter of the season through injury, tells its own story. Made a brilliant save from close range to deny Willian, unfortunate the rebound fell to Giroud. Nothing he could have done about the other two conceded. Apart from having a word with his centre backs perhaps.
TAA (8.5) – At a mere 21 years of age, the phenom that is Trent Alexander-Arnold has already written his name into Anfield folklore and cemented his legend status and last night was a reminder why. Beautifully struck free kick for his goal and one of his trademark crosses to finally end Bobby’s Anfield goal drought, breaking his own assist record in the process. Given the runaround a bit by Pulisic when he came on but another brilliant display from Trent and his efforts were enough for him to earn this week’s McMOTM. The sky really is the limit to how good this kid can be.
Gomez (6) – Had a hand in both Chelsea’s second and third goals, after he and Van Dijk collided like something out a Laurel and Hardy sketch for one and was done like a kipper by Pulisic in the build up to the other. Played some really nice long passes however, it’s clearly a part of his game he’s been working on.
Van Dijk (6) – He’s not quite his usual imperious self at the moment. The aforementioned collision with Gomez is a replay he will NOT want to see. I’m not worried though, when you’re as good as big Virgil, the old saying about form being temporary and class being permanent never rang so true.
Robertson (7.5) – Since Robbo sobered up from his two week bender after we won the league, he’s been in sensational form. Totally bossed his opposite number all game and his assist just about summed it up. Robbo’s energy levels are incredible and he displayed that once again, picking up the ball, easily skipping past his opponent and driving up the pitch before picking Ox out for the goal that finished the contest. Never change Robbo.
Fabinho (6) – A fairly quiet evening by Fabinho’s standards and needed to provide more protection for Trent at times, who was struggling a bit defensively. Retained possession well however and helped us get a foothold after a fast start from Chelsea.
Keita (8) – Absolutely sensational first half from Naby, as we saw first hand the player Klopp craved so much he was prepared to wait a year for. He did well in the tight spaces, showed off his skill with an outrageous turn and capped his half by firing a rocket into the top corner. Much quieter second half before being subbed but if Keita can stay fit and show that kind of form consistently, he’ll be massive for us next season.
Wijnaldum (7) – Had a fairly quiet first half and then out of nowhere, popped up with a goal, smashing home a loose ball in the box. Just as TP was slating him too…😉. Did so much dirty work in the second half that he’s still not completely clean.
Salah (5) – The enigma that is Mo Salah continues. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player flick between the sublime and the ridiculous quite as much as Salah. There’s games he looks like Messi, he shows incredible skill, technique and finishing. Then there’s nights like last night where he looks like he’s got his boots on the wrong feet. Passing absolutely atrocious all night and with his best goal scoring opportunity, took a comical shot with his left foot, when his only chance to score would be to hit it with his right. Practicing with your weaker foot is the easiest thing to work on and improve so have at it Mo. Didn’t look happy when subbed but he stank the place out and can have no arguments.
Firmino (7) – Finally!! After 16 months, Liverpool’s no9 finally scored at Anfield. In any other title winning era, a stat like that would be unthinkable but it shows what Bobby brings to the team that he’s still first choice with a stat like that. You could see his confidence was low when getting into scoring areas, one in particular where he simply had to shoot but chose to try and pass. Hopefully that’ll be a monkey off his back and he’ll get a few more. Really need him to chip in with more goals next season.
Mane (6) – Arguably should have had a penalty and won the contentious free kick that led to the goal. My opinion was it was a foul. Tackled from behind and endangered the opponent but I know others disagreed. Young James will have known he was in a game last night however as Mane was at him all night. Didn’t quite come off for him on the night though and like Salah, also looked miffed when subbed without getting on the scoresheet.
Subs:
Milner (6) – Brought on to shore things up as Chelsea rallied.
Jones (6) – Showed his skill with a lovely turn and got the final appearance he needed to receive a medal.
Ox (7) – Very tidy finish for his goal and brought some extra energy.
Minamino (N/A) – Ran around
Origi (N/A) – Had a moment of solitude in the centre circle after everyone had gone, according to reports. Maybe just enjoying the moment, or perhaps saying goodbye ahead of the summer? Time will tell.
Klopp-watch (10) – What a guy. The consistency he’s instilled in this team has been breathtaking and even winning the league in record time, the players have been putting performances in for him, even in the City game we lost heavily. Got his subs spot on last night as well and the introduction of Milner and Ox were vital to us securing the points as Chelsea were starting to build up a dangerous head of steam. Watching him sing YNWA with the team almost had me in tears. Long may he reign.
That’s it then troops, I’ve nothing further to add that the images from last night won’t say better. The wait for 19 is finally over. Now bring us 20!! Walk on!
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