Simon Mignolet – 6.5
Didn’t have a lot to do, but when he did, he approached the ball with authority. Apart from a few miskicks that went astray, it was a solid display from the Belgian, who looks in no great hurry to relinquish his place in the starting line-up.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
Had a couple of shaky moment sin the second-half, but apart from that, he was a prime example of what is expected of a modern full-back. Attacked and defended in equal measure, and always put himself in a position to be an outlet on the right-hand side.
Joel Matip – 8.5
Joel Beckenbauer was a cool as the Fonz. One slip that allowed a sprightly Matic get the better of him to put in a pass for Costa’s goal, was the only blemish on what would have been a 9/10 performance by Liverpool’s newest central defending behemoth. Constantly on the front foot, also went on a winding, periscopic run into the opposition box, that amounted to a chance.
Dejan Lovren – 8
He was the Mr.T in the Liverpool defence. Playing with a gritty determination to not let his opponent go past him, put in a crucial tackle to deny Diego Costa a sure sight of goal. Ghosted into the Chelsea box with all the surreptitiousness of a ninja for the ever important first goal.
James Milner – 7
He was outpaced by Willian, who toyed with him in the Chelsea half, evading his indefatigable charging. But when it came down to it, in the defensive half of matters, he was robust and tight, and to Chelsea’s compounded frustration, an option to release the pressure.
Jordan Henderson – 9
Liverpool players may be having a competition we may not be knowing about – one where they put on a wager on who scores the goal of the month. Sadio Mane’s ploughing strike vs Arsenal took the accolades for August, while Henderson 30-yard curler most likely, will bag the prize for September. Brilliant all-round display from the Liverpool skipper. Didn’t put a foot wrong, won enough second balls to start his own academy in Africa.
Genie Wijnaldum – 8
Liverpool fans may have finally got their peek as to why Liverpool and Klopp spunked 25 m GBP on the Dutchman. His industry coupled with his ability to turn with the ball in the tightest of situations, meant Liverpool always maintained a forward momentum.
Adam Lallana – 8
He’s had something of a resurgence in Juergen Klopp. Easily on of their most important players on the road, and running 12.88 kms in sprints, tells you exactly why. Him, along with Gini were integral to Liverpool keeping possession in the midfield.
Sadio Mane – 6.5
Did well in bursts, but, as expected, didn’t have much to do considering the lack of space to run in behind. Gave Liverpool enough width on the right, to facilitate their forward momentum.
Phil Coutinho – 6.5
Did put in a cross in for Lovren’s goal, but was on the fringes of the game for most parts.
Daniel Sturridge – 6.5
Ball retention was top-notch, but could make much of it, considering the number of people Chelsea put in front of him. Couldn’t last the 90 minutes, could be a worry for Klopp.
Substitutes
Div Origi – 6 [On for Dan Sturridge 56th minute]
Tried best to make his presence felt, did it decently. Almost finished off a glorious chance with a header.
