Player Ratings - Liverpool vs. Burnley 2-0

After the triumph against Manchester City it was important for Liverpool to continue their winning ways. Burnley proved tenacious in opposition and a very well coached unit. However, during the match Liverpool's quality shone through, ending up 2-0 victors on the night. Yet another invaluable three points for the Redmen, who continue their surge towards the top four. My Liverpool FC player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 7: Barely called upon, however when required, he did it well. His ability to come for crosses has improved tenfold since Boxing Day when these two sides last met. Won an innocuous header midway through the second half outside the box, however fortune favours the brave. Sometimes.

Dejan Lovren - 7: Another solid performance for the improving Croatian. Not fully recovered from his nightmare start to the season, with several inaccurate passes lucky not to lead to more for Burnley. However, things appear to be moving in the right direction for him.

Martin Skrtel - 8: The bedrock of the Liverpool defence. He didn't put a foot wrong throughout and dealt with the industrious Danny Ings very well. He's proving to be an able leader throughout this team.

Emre Can - 8: Was once again moved to right wing back in the game's latter stages. You could play him anywhere on the pitch and the German would look comfortable. For a player of his age, his ability to read the game is frightening.

Alberto Moreno - 6: Dealt well in a defensive sense. Played within himself in the final third of the pitch. More to come from the young Spaniard; one of many who's benefited from the change in system since the turn of the year.

Raheem Sterling- 7: Made several mazes runs which are becoming a scary formality when he is on the ball. Some may feel he is wasted in the right wing back position, but like Emre Can, Sterling's versatility is one of his endearing qualities.

Jordan Henderson - 8: Man of the Match. Once again, heroic. His goal just about bettered his effort against Manchester City, with a thumping volley which saw the home team take a much deserved lead. His telepathic understanding with Daniel Sturridge saw him turn provider for Liverpool's second. A beautiful pass, which found the front man to put the game to bed. Growing into his role as the team's leader.

Joe Allen - 8: Continuing his form from Sunday, the underappreciated Welshman didn't miss a beat. Without the ball, he astutely chose his moments to press while in possession, he remained unflustered and played the game in front and around him. An out -and-out team player.

Adam Lallana - 8: He once again ran himself into the ground whilst demonstrating his silky touches and turns. Starting to prove a nice foil for Philippe Coutinho. His good form and consistent run in the team couldn't have come at a better time.

Philippe Coutinho - 7: Lovely touches throughout, however it was his impressive work off the ball which a feature of his game. He led the way with Liverpool's unrelenting pressing, which made it hard for Burnley to play through.

Daniel Sturridge - 7: Could've had a hat trick had he been fully match fit. I'm sure people aren't aware just how well he took his goal with a bullet header, which was directed with precision. His touch let him down at times, but if he can score on the off night, the sky's limit when he is on. It's building nicely for Liverpool main man.

Substitutes:

Kolo Toure – N/R: In a carbon copy from Sunday, he shored things up at the back. Seldom called upon throughout his cameo. 

Glen Johnson – N/R: Ditto Kolo Toure. Another brief appearance from the former England International.

Rickie Lambert – N/R: Simply an introduction for the record books. Didn't get a touch.

Brendan Rodgers – 7: An easier night for the Liverpool Manager, who once again got his troops up for the game. The relentless pressing has seen this team transformed into a genuine top four contender.



By Simon K.