Player Ratings - Liverpool F.C. vs. West Bromwich Albion F.C. - 2-2

West Bromwich Albion. A team that has tasted success at Anfield during recent years. Divock Origi’s injury time equaliser thwarted any hope the away side had of adding to their riches in front of the Anfield faithful. Suffice to say, I’m glad the young Belgian did and not because of the obvious reasons.

Whilst West Brom’s successes at Anfield in the past were well deserved, tonight, any result other than the one which ensued would’ve simply been unjust. And that’s also taking into account the away team’s disallowed goal before half-time (which, by the way, was the correct decision).

Cards on the table time. A football manager does what he can to achieve the right result, however Tony Pulis’ tactics are nothing but a blight on the English game. There, I said it. Believe it or not, I used to be opposed to this notion. Given certain teams’ financial constraints, alternative methods were sometimes required to achieve the objective. Now, however, I firmly believe this has changed.

With the injection of money in the Premier League - from the top to the bottom - competition hasn’t been closer; a clear illustration that the bottom teams are strengthening due to more money being at their disposal.

So here I beg the question, Mr Pulis. Why do you continue to resort to this dire affliction that slightly resembles part football part rugby? Stoke was like going to Twickenham (at this stage I actually admired your tactics, believe it or not), however you spread your wings at Crystal Palace, to the point where your team showed something of a desire to play the beautiful game and from there, I also harboured admiration for you. Now though, we are seemingly back at Twickenham and as time has moved on I find myself deploring your archaic perception of the game.

I don’t normally resort to these low-blow tactics (hell, Mourinho was even safe throughout these parts!), but as the old adage goes, everyone has their threshold. Coupled with Mr Pulis’ anti-football manifesto are the West Bromwich Albion away supporters who chose to chant derogatory slogans whilst an opposition player, Dejan Lovren, was down after suffering from a disgusting challenge and a potentially career-ending one. Another Pulisian moment? He wouldn’t stoop so low, however it was clear that West Brom’s away supporters did. Congratulations, it was quite the accomplishment.

As for the game. The home atmosphere was great and it’s nice to see Jurgen Klopp’s words having the desired effect. Naturally, set pieces are a big concern and all the good work that has been done in recent weeks has momentarily come undone at the seams. The fight to draw level was admirable, and the home supporters’ collective voice was as much the reason for that. Long may it continue.   

Ratings as follows (a slight change in the rating structure from now on, in a bid to differentiate from other sites – thanks for the tip, guys):

Simon Mignolet - 4: Horribly exposed for West Brom’s equaliser, failing miserably to recover a ball from the initial corner. Set pieces proved to be Liverpool’s achilles heel all evening and having a jittery keeper behind the defence didn’t help the cause.   

Nathaniel Clyne – 6.5: Reliable as always, combining well with Adam Lallana on the right hand side. His crossing was a little wayward at times. Other than that, the Englishman was his usual reliable self.

Martin Skrtel - 6: The Slovakian could be held jointly accountable for West Brom’s second however the delivery on the cross would have upended most defences in the Premier League.

Dejan Lovren – 6.5: Like Skrtel, perhaps got caught out slightly for West Brom’s second goal, however the Croatian had a good game until he fell victim to a sickening challenge from Craig Gardner, which could have easily broken his leg.

Alberto Moreno- 6: Tidy enough throughout the match and provided several good crosses to Christian Benteke. However, the young Spaniard was needlessly caught out in possession that led to the corner from which Liverpool conceded the second goal. He needs to eliminate these sudden lapses in concentration from his game.

Emre Can - 6: At times the young German linked well with Jordan Henderson, but looked slightly off the pace, with several misplaced passes. He was also caught on the ball on numerous occasions. Not his best day at office, however there is potential in the midfield with both he and Henderson.

Jordon Henderson (C) – 7 – Man of the Match: Liverpool’s best player, marking his return to the starting line-up with a well taken goal. As documented above, he linked well with Can, as well as Philippe Coutinho. Many may suggest that the little Brazilian is the driver in the LFC engine room, however the presence of the Liverpool skipper should not be understated. He has been missed.

James Milner – 6: It was a largely ineffective evening for the marquee man. With Henderson now fit, competition for places has heated up. Milner’s place in the starting XI is currently a questionable one.

Adam Lallana – 6.5:  Provided a nice header for Henderson’s opener, and generally caused West Brom’s defence problems outside the box. It’s inside the eighteen yard box where Lallana needs to provide more, spurring a golden chance to square the ledger late on. Henderson’s return will help the Englishman.

Philippe Coutinho - 6: The little maestro was understandably rusty on his return to the starting line-up. Had several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise. Will be better for the run-out ahead of next week’s trip to Watford.

Christian Benteke - 5: Another sub-par afternoon for the big Belgian, who lacked the movement to really cause the West Brom defence any troubles. The goals will come, however Klopp will be working tirelessly to figure out a way to fully utilise Benteke’s strengths.

Substitutes:

Jordan Ibe – 6: Once again, the youngster made several mazy runs, not to mention a decent effort which flashed wide. A very good option to bring off the bench.  

Divock Origi – N/R: Although somewhat fortuitous, his equaliser was on the back of his sheer will to continue after being fouled. The young Belgian is coming along very nicely, to the point where he may just find himself in the starting line-up next week against Watford.

Roberto Firmino – N/R: Came on late to help salvage a point.

By Simon K.

 

Player Ratings: Newcaslte United F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C. - 2-0

Reality. It hurts sometimes, doesn't it? This will be a huge wakeup call to those putting the proverbial cart before the horse. Five points to consider:

- Liverpool played badly today. Guess what? In sport this happens.

- Newcastle had a game plan. They executed it well against a side well below par.

- Don't let your imagination cloud the reality of the situation. Despite some exhilarating moments so early on in the Jürgen Klopp reign, this is a team still very much in transition and results like this will happen. Many won't like to hear this, but It's probably not the last indifferent result we'll see this season.

- Did Steve McLaren give Jürgen Klopp a managing master class? No, and don't let the media lead you to believe otherwise. Newcastle were tentative for the most part, but took their chance when it presented itself. Liverpool didn't. These things happen in sport.

- Finally, this one is important. Jürgen Klopp is the manager of Liverpool Football Club. Just remember this little fact before posting overwrought missives on social media outlets and message boards.

Player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: Not at fault on either of Newcastle's goals. Apart from picking the ball out of his own net, he was largely untroubled.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6: Defended quite well, but like many of his teammates, his final touch in attacking areas was poor.

Martin Skrtel - 5: His seventh own goal for the club summed up his afternoon. Was also caught too deep in the lead up to Newcastle's opener.

Dejan Lovren - 7: Liverpool's best player. Barely lost a header all evening while also making some very nice challenges. The only bright spark in a gloomy day for the away team.

Alberto Moreno- 6: Will be bitterly disappointed by the officials' decision to disallow his equaliser, which was onside every day of the week. Defended well for the most part.   

Lucas - 5: A complete contrast to his recent form, which was rather symptomatic of Liverpool's performance. He tackled well, but his touch and passing were clearly off. Looking very laboured from start to finish.

Joe Allen - 6: Once again, a reasonably tidy display from the little Welshman. Probably wasn't helped by the lack of movement in the attacking third from the likes of Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke.

James Milner (C) - 5: Like a lot of other players wearing red, his touch was poor and his lack of pace caused him to be dispossessed throughout the match. Looked better playing centrally as opposed to be isolated out on the left.

Jordan Ibe - 6: The youngster was the away team's likeliest attacking threat. Sadly, his final ball proved infuriating which basically summed up Liverpool's day.

Roberto Firmino - 5: Along with Christian Benteke, was anonymous. Initial indications will suggest the two don't really work well together. One would suspect his form will improve once Philippe Coutino is back from injury.

Christian Benteke - 5: Like Firmino, a day to forget for the big Belgian. Should have put Liverpool ahead, spurring a point blank chance from a corner. His brightest moments thus far have come from the bench.

Substitutes:

Adam Lallana - 7:  Surprising he didn't start, however his second half introduction was lively, putting Daniel Sturridge through on goal. A certain starter next weekend at home to West Brom.

Daniel Sturridge - 6: Missed a fantastic opportunity to put the Reds level. Other than that, he failed to get into the game. While Benteke looks more threatening coming off the bench, Sturridge certainly looks more of a threat from the outset.

Divock Origi - N/R: Introduced late in an attempt to salvage something.

 

By Simon K.

 

 

Player Ratings: Capital One Cup - Southampton F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C. - 1-6

Capital One Cup quarter final away to Southampton. On paper, tricky to say the least. A goal down within the first forty-two seconds? No problems! Many have been surprised at how little time it’s taken for Jurgen Klopp to implement his football manifesto at Liverpool Football Club. Since his arrival on that second week in October we’ve seen signs of it – most notably away from home, against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Whilst I agree with this view, prior to his appointment, I’m not sure many of these people knew just how good the players at Klopp’s disposal were. Simply put, while I truly admired Brendan Rodgers, by the same token he simply wasn’t getting the best out of his players and although it may appear to be indictment on the former Liverpool manager, his successor must take a great deal of credit for the shift in mentality.

Add the combination of Klopp’s guidance and the playing group’s collective ability and you have a team that – in my opinion - can challenge on various fronts. Once again, tonight we witnessed how damaging this team can be, absolutely demolishing a Southampton side that are no slouches themselves. It was a major step forward for the Reds, who now face Stoke City in the Carling Cup semi final.

 

Ratings as follows:

Adam Bogdan - 6: Could do nothing for the goal and other than picking the ball up from the back of his own net, the Hungarian had little to do.

Connor Randall - 7: Grew into the game after picking up a yellow card so early on. The youngster made a very good account of himself in Nathaniel Clyne’s absence.

Martin Skrtel - 7: Like Bogdan, had little to do throughout the match. Some say a centre half is at his best when his name is barely mentioned throughout the telecast of a match. Can’t really argue with that.

Dejan Lovren - 7: Despite the earful he copped from the St Mary’s faithful, he once again gave a good account of himself in the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Made a vital challenge early in the second half when Southampton tried clawing their way back from 3-1 down. The Croatian continues to grow in confidence.

Alberto Moreno- 7: Some may say he switched off for Southampton’s opener, but it’s questionable as to whether he was actually switched on to begin with. From there he grew into the game and provided a rasping shot which looked like the third until his teammate, Divock Origi, claimed to get a feather on the shot. Also provided an assist for the fourth, well and truly atoning for his first half error.

Lucas (C) - 8: His organisational skills are paramount to how Klopp wants his team to play. The Brazilian didn’t put a foot wrong. Although he will never grab the headlines, his work will never go unnoticed by the Liverpool faithful. 

Emre Can - 8: It’s hard to believe the young German is only 21. He was imperious. His pass for Sturridge’s second among the best assists of the season, thus far. Very unfortunate to pick up his fifth booking of the season, meaning he misses the weekend’s trip to Newcastle. 

Joe Allen - 7: Failed to get a kick in the first ten minutes, but like many of his teammates, grew into the game. His pass for Sturridge’s opener was sublime. Another who won’t grab headlines, but once again, the little Welshman provided a tidy display.

Adam Lallana - 7:   Solid for the duration of the match. Along with Lovren, he copped the booing treatment from the home fans. Like Lucas, Lallana is an essential cog in the machine which Klopp operates. He hasn’t shown up on the score or assist sheet as many might have hoped, but his role in this team is an important one.

Divock Origi – 9 (Man of the Match):   Not only did he score his first Liverpool goal (in slightly fortuitous circumstances), he added a further two; the second a rollicking shot that beat Maarten Stekelenburg at his near post. The young Belgian looked so much more comfortable with another strike partner. His performance will give Klopp a nice selection headache ahead of the weekend’s trip up north.

Daniel Sturridge – 8: Back with a bang. His performance really had it all and encapsulated Daniel Sturridge as the footballer we all know he can be. The finish for his first was trademark Sturridge; making something difficult look easy. His second highlighted just how good his movement is off the ball. Even with aid of perspective, should he stay fit, the sky is the limit for this football team.

 Substitutes:

Jordan Ibe - 8: Introduced to counter Southampton’s change of formation. The swashbuckling Englishman provided an assist for Origi’s second, while scoring one of his own; a very well taken effort, which was reward for his recent good run of performances. Will only grow in confidence playing with the likes of Sturridge.

Jordan Henderson – N/R: Another game to build up his match fitness. The Englishman may be knocking on the door of the starting XI this weekend now that Emre Can is suspended.

Brad Smith – N/R:  The young Aussie looked bright, providing a great cross for Origi’s third. The left back appears to be an able deputy for Moreno.

 By Simon K.

 

Player Ratings: Liverpool F.C. vs. Swansea City A.F.C. - 1-0

Firstly, apologies for those who expected Bordeaux player ratings. Not being in front of a computer prevented me from posting, so grovelling apologies, folks. Onto more pressing matters…

 

On the back of the midweek success in the Europa League, it was important to continue the momentum in the Premier League and although Swansea City had been struggling, nothing’s a given in this league and when the elements also play a part, this point can’t be stressed enough.

 

The 1-0 victory wasn’t pretty. The penalty was dubious and although it will polarise opinion, I think it was a decision lucky to be given the home team’s way. You take what you get in this league, though. Like all wins, you look for the positives. Firstly, there’s little doubt that Liverpool deserved the three points. They dominated possession and created more chances than their opponents. Secondly, a clean sheet is always a welcomed aspect in any victory and, of course, the return of English duo, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.

 

With the majority of Liverpool’s rivals dropping points this weekend, it was imperative the Reds secured the win at home. Without counting those chickens, having already played away against the top five teams of last season (and let’s not forget Stoke!), it appears Liverpool are in an encouraging position, provided they can continue to secure maximum points at home.   

 

Ratings as follows:

 

Simon Mignolet - 6: The Belgian didn’t have a lot to do, but worryingly, he appeared rooted to his goal line on set pieces during the second half. The inclement weather conditions didn’t help his cause.   

 

Nathaniel Clyne - 7: Didn’t put a foot wrong all evening and linked up superbly with Jordan Ibe. The only concern is the amount of games he is involved in. The lack of competition for the right back position may be an area which Jurgen Klopp intends to strengthen in January. This hinges on Jon Flanagan’s return, of course.

 

Martin Skrtel - 7: Once again solid, yet largely untroubled for the most part. Having Clyne to his right is a good insurance policy for the Slovakian who continues to grow in stature.

 

Dejan Lovren - 7: Whisper the following: Dejan Lovren is starting to look like the player Liverpool acquired in the summer of 2014. He is soundly going about his business and once again gave a solid account of himself, with several timely, no-nonsense challenges.

 

Alberto Moreno- 7: Like Clyne, the Spaniard produced a very solid display at both ends of the pitch. His defensive ability appears to be growing as each week passes. The little man is really thriving under Klopp.

 

Emre Can - 7: The German started the game in brilliant fashion, dominating the midfield with several key challenges. He almost turned provider for Christian Benteke with a delightful ball into the box. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but overall provided a very able display in Lucas’ absence.

 

James Milner – 8 (C) Man of the Match: Like Can, bossed the midfield in the early stages and overall, got through a mountain of work off the ball. He took his penalty with consummate ease. The former Manchester City man is starting to kick on, which is required given Henderson and Sturridge are back in the reckoning and vying for starting positions.

 

Jordan Ibe - 7: Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threat with his trademark mazy incursions throughout the evening. He is starting to use his body a little better in shielding the ball, too. Constantly developing and, like Moreno, the young Englishman is blossoming under Klopp’s management.

 

Roberto Firmino - 6: Pressed well and won the ball in crucial areas of the pitch. Like Thursday evening, his passing was a touch off. It will be interesting to see him develop alongside Coutinho and Sturridge, should the latter manage to stay fit.

 

Adam Lallana - 6:  Like Firmino, the former Southampton man pressed very well, but lacked the cutting-edge in the final third. Could perhaps do with a spell midweek against his former employer’s in order to recharge the batteries.

 

Christian Benteke - 6: Lacked the service from the outset. His touch proved too heavy for his only clear cut chance, which was provided by Emre Can. A handful for the opposition and now that Sturridge is fit, it will be interesting to see how Klopp utilises the big man.

 

Substitutes:

 

Jordan Henderson - 6: A very much welcomed return for the Liverpool skipper, who was introduced just after the hour mark. Klopp will no doubt ease Henderson in, but it’s great to have him back. He shored up the midfield after Milner’s match-winner and will be happy to get some game time into his legs.

 

Daniel Sturridge – N/R: Like Henderson, it’s great to see Liverpool’s number one striker back on the pitch. When Sturridge plays, Liverpool’s chances of success are far greater. It really is that simple.   

 

Kolo Toure – N/R:  Came on in the last minute of the match to run the clock down.

 

 

By Simon K.

 



Player Ratings: Manchester City F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C. - 1-4

Dreamland? If the away result against Chelsea wasn't something that had Liverpool support's ensconced in such fantasies then the result at the Etihad Stadium against league leaders, Manchester City, should have many - at the very least - knocking at the door.

Many readers on here will have noticed the apparent love-in towards one Jürgen Klopp. That won't change anytime soon. His tactical masterstroke has been demonstrated.

I wasn't sure how the team would fair after the defeat of Crystal Palace. It wasn't a bad performance, per se. You just don't like to see your team lose prior to an International break. However, as International break's go, this appeared to be a welcomed one. A time where the fanfare around Merseyside subsided, somewhat. Two more weeks for Klopp to plot. And plot he did. This was a tactical master class - of that there is no question.

With tactical masterstrokes, there are slight nuances that equate to such successes, which sometimes go unnoticed. The German appears to have ironed out a few deficiencies, which have riddled Liverpool for the last eighteen months. The defending from set pieces was the best we've seen for quite some time. The same can be said of Liverpool's ability to actually look threatening from set pieces at the other end of the pitch, too. Will it last? Only time will tell.

It's been an emotional week. For obvious reasons, a week where football was rightly placed down the pecking order. It's great to have it back and the actions prior to kick-off demonstrated just what the game of football can give to the world. Solidarity.

Peace to Paris.

Player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 7: On the rare occasion he was called upon, he did well. His save from Sergio Aguero an obvious highlight. Distribution is still a glaring issue, however his organisation from set pieces was the surprising feature from the Belgian. He marshalled those in front of him very well.

Nathaniel Clyne - 8: Defended with assurance and negated an potential incursions from fellow countryman, Raheem Sterling. In the first-half, he made an extremely difficult clearance from a Kevin De Bruyne cross look easy.

Martin Skrtel - 9: One of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt. Took up extremely good positions in defence and dealt well with Aguero throughout. It was the Slovakian's rugged clearance that led to City's goal, however the big man's thunderbolt and match-sealing goal well and truly made up for the initial defensive indiscretion. Make no bones about it; the man was simply immense.

Dejan Lovren - 8: Ditto for the much maligned Croatian. He was brilliant in the tackle and snuffed out various aerial threats not to mention on the floor, where he won various fifty-fifties in crucial areas of the pitch. Like many around him, seems to be growing in confidence under Jürgen Klopp.

Alberto Moreno- 8: Like Clyne, defended extremely well and in attack used the ball well in tight spaces. His final ball can still improve, but overall it was a pleasing performance from the young Spaniard.

Emre Can - 9: Easily his best game for Liverpool and like Skrtel, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, a case of splitting hairs for man of the match honours. His back heel to Coutinho for Liverpool's third was exquisite while his performance in midfield was colossus.  

Lucas - 7: His renaissance continues. Surprisingly, he had few touches in the first half. Like always, he helped keep the shape in midfield and although not the fastest player in the team, his positioning is up there with the best of them. Unfortunately picked up his fifth booking, which means he misses the next match against Swansea.

James Milner (C) - 8: Like many of his teammates, his best game in a red shirt and ironically it came against his former team. A very workmanlike display, which saw him occupy very important positions defensively. Proved a good nexus between midfield and attack. He was almost red-faced midway throughout the second-half with a sloppy back pass which went unpunished. All told, a vast improvement from the former City man.

Adam Lallana - 8:  Yet another tireless effort from a player whom Klopp appears very fond of. His pressing in the first twenty minutes was relentless, while his silky skills were on display for most of the evening. Linked well with Coutinho and Firmino and helped create space for both to operate in. You can feel the goals are coming for the Englishman.

Philippe Coutinho - 9: Clinical in assassin-like fashion, with his fourth goal in his last three Premier League matches. The little Brazilian was merciless on the counter attack, scoring one and serving one up on a platter for his Brazilian teammate, Firmino. Without doubt Liverpool's heartbeat and many supporters will be hoping his withdrawal from the game was nothing more than cramp.

Roberto Firmino - 9 (Man of the Match): A rather decorative plaudit given how many outstanding individual displays were on offer from the men in red. Sweeping statements aside, the Brazilian's performance was one of the great false nine displays I've had the pleasure of witnessing from a Liverpool player. Two assists and a goal, he could have had a hat-trick if it weren't for Joe Hart's heroics in the City goal. Whether he continues as a number nine remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain; the player formerly of Hoffenheim has arrived on Merseyside.

Substitutes:

Jordan Ibe - 7: Another lively display from the youngster. A very handy weapon to bring off the bench to harass tiring defenders.

Christian Benteke - N/R: Introduced late to add further punishment to City on the counter attack and almost did so: Hart once again keeping Liverpool at bay.

Kolo Toure - N/R: Came on late to provide solidity next to Lucas in midfield.

By Simon K.

 

 

Player Ratings: Liverpool F.C. vs. Crystal Palace F.C. - 1-2

Ahhhh, the trials and tribulations of sport. There are winners, and yes, there are losers. Despite the upbeat feeling around Anfield this past week, sport always produces those grounding moments and Jürgen Klopp’s men found that out at the hands of their newly crowned bogey team, Crystal Palace. The loss – and reality check – was the first under Klopp and although Liverpool could have quite easily won the match, the way in which they lost it was symptomatic of some of the defeats endured under Brendan Rodgers: a game riddled with costly individual errors.

Klopp’s post match analysis was – as always – insightful. Were the players really tired or was it just a case of feeling tired just because those on the fringes say they were [tired]? Much will be made of the Europa League and the quick turnaround between games - much of the noise in the lead up to this match was focused on this very topic.

Statistics suggest that a Premier League team has less than a 33 per cent chance of winning after a Europa League fixture. Not good odds, but I admire Klopp’s philosophy. That’s the mentality he is trying to inject into the club and judging by today’s display, some of his post-match comments were a slight dig at his players. Perhaps not a dig, per se, but he is certainly throwing down the gauntlet to one or two of them. A harsh analogy? Perhaps, however I believe this is the game where Klopp will have learnt the most from his players, thus far. Perhaps the club, too.

"When Palace scored I saw many people leave. I felt very alone in this moment," said the Liverpool manager.

I’m glad he’s called out this section of supporters. It needed saying and those who have read the previous posts on here will remember my cinema analogy with regards to the exact same subject. Along with the result and Sakho’s injury, seeing people leave before the final whistle was the worst aspect of today. How do you stop people leaving early? Call them out for what they really are, I say. This mob can only be defined as fairweather supporters and it's a crying shame that this mentality has crept into the club. Sadly, it’s becoming inherently clear that this is the age we live in. The age of the narcissist. Supporters who support a club when the going is good but run a mile when it’s not. For me, this mentality says a lot about an individual, and if you haven’t already noticed, these people are not my cup of tea at all.

Klopp's reaction after Coutinho's equaliser encapsulated everything about the man. Turning round to give supporters stood in the Paddock a high five. Had we've equalised, he would've turnover round to a slew of empty seats. Not really the principles this club was built on, is it? 

Ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 5: Poor distribution in a display that had shades of his early lack of form last season. Some may question whether he could have parried wide with his initial save in Palace’s match winner. Perhaps harsh, but it wasn’t a good day for the Belgian.   

Nathaniel Clyne - 7: Had a good game and provided plenty of energy up and down the right hand flank. Linked up well with Jordan Ibe.

Martin Skrtel - 7: Endured a busy day with Yannick Bolaise and Bakary Sako causing him endless amounts of torment. Given his history against the archetypical physical striker throughout the league, he coped quite well.

Mamadou Sakho - 6: Perhaps a bigger blow than the loss itself was seeing the ever-present Frenchman limp off with a suspected knee ligament injury. It didn’t look good and many Liverpool supporters will be crossing their fingers and toes in the coming days.

Alberto Moreno- 6: Produced a sloppy pass which led to Palace’s opener. Had plenty of the ball in the final third, but rarely did he make the possession count.  

Lucas – 6 (C): Did he best and covered a lot of ground for the heavy legged Emre Can. Like many, looked tired towards the backend of the game. The International break has come at a good time for the Brazilian.

Emre Can - 5: The German was largely accountable for Palace’s opener, with yet another timid attempt to clear away from goal. Looked out on his feet before being substituted in the second half. Should Jordan Henderson be fit for the trip to Manchester City in a fortnight’s time, it may very well be at Can’s expense.

Jordan Ibe - 7: Liverpool’s brightest player, carrying on from his fine display midweek in Russia. Linked well with Clyne and got to the by-line on numerous occasions. His end product needs work, but that should come in time.  

Philippe Coutinho - 7: Along with Ibe, was Liverpool’s most creative player and capped off a performance with another goal. A welcoming sign from a player who looks to be slowly getting his groove back.

Adam Lallana - 6:  Looked tidy and provided a solid work rate, however lacked conviction in the final third, which could be an ongoing reproach against the Englishman. Needs to add more goals to his game if he wishes hold down a spot in the starting side.

Christian Benteke - 6: Had a couple of really good chances to put the Reds in front – not least a header midway through the second half, which he should have scored from. Will experience better days in front of goal.

Substitutes:

Dejan Lovren- 6: Came on for Sakho in the first half and was satisfactory. Depending on the extent of Sakho’s injury, the Croatian may get an extended run in the team.

Roberto Firmino - 5: The Brazilian was introduced in the second half and didn’t influence the game at all. Switched off after Mignolet’s save for Palace’s match winner. A step backwards after several good games. You feel he needs a goal to really get going. 

Divock Origi – N/R:  Came on after Palace’s match winning goal in hope of snatching a late equaliser.

By Simon K.

Player Ratings: F.C. Rubin Kazan vs. Liverpool F.C. - 0-1

 

Jürgen Klopp's men travelled to Russia for their Europa League match against Rubin Kazan. An eleven hour jaunt across Europe. Historically, English teams come home empty handed from Europe's east, where wins have proven hard to come by.

Klopp left no stone unturned, it seems. Rather than leaving key personnel behind at Melwood, the plane east consisted of a full squad. This says a lot of Liverpool's new manager, in my opinion. Every game and every competition this club competes in is important. I believe this notion has been lost over the last couple of years. Liverpool exist to win trophies and to do that the club needs its best players on the pitch.  

In yet another act of defying the odds, Liverpool came away with a victory and although it may not have been pretty at times, as they say, the only important thing in football is the result. A 1-0 victory away from home will be very much welcomed, not to mention another clean sheet; the third under Klopp, thus far. Three wins on the spin and although 1-1 draws can be a nasty habit, so can winning, and it seems the Reds are starting to realise this. The win now puts Liverpool in a good position to qualify for the Europa League group stages. It's also a nice shot in the arm ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday in the Premier League.

Player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: A very quiet night for the Belgian, who probably needed a blanket at times due to the cold weather. 

Nathaniel Clyne - 7: Once again dependable and got forward well throughout.

Dejan Lovren - 6: Not a lot to do, but dealt well with what came his way. Strong in the challenge and looked good next Sakho.

Mamadou Sakho - 7: Once again imperious. Didn't lose a challenge all night and made a brilliant last ditch tackle during Rubin Kazan's most dangerous moment in attack.

Alberto Moreno- 6: A steady performance from the Spaniard. Provided nice width in attack whilst largely untroubled in defence.

Emre Can - 7: Along with Joe Allen, controlled the midfield. Once again, a tireless effort from the German.

Joe Allen - 7: A very tidy performance from little Welshman. Kept the ball moving and helped keep the shape when Liverpool found it hard to break down their opposition in the final third.

Jordan Ibe - 8 (Man of the Match): The young Englishman was Liverpool's most dangerous player and capped off his impressive display with his first Liverpool goal. An intelligent run and a very well taken goal. Very much looking like the player we saw last year.

James Milner (C) - 6: Almost opened the scoring within the first three minutes; his effort clipping the crossbar. Was also denied a goal in the second half. Tried hard but you feel he has a lot more to give this team.

Roberto Firmino - 6: Appeared frustrated throughout large parts of the match, however played a very clever ball to Ibe in the lead-up to Liverpool's match winning goal. The class is certainly there. With more game time, he will improve.

Christian Benteke - 6: Like Firmino, found it hard to break down Rubin Kazan's defence. Looked far more threatening once Liverpool went a goal up.

Substitutes:

Adam Lallana - 6:  A second half introduction. Looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Lucas - N/R: Introduced in the last ten minutes to help hold onto the lead.

Martin Skrtel - N/R: Liverpool's last substitution. Came on in injury time to run the clock down.

By Simon K.