This is not the same old Liverpool. This isn’t the same team that put 3 past Manchester United, and then go belly up vs Fulham or a Blackburn away from home. That affliction that has gripped the teetering-tottering giant of English football for the better part of the last two decades. Sometimes it has been a question of quality, sometimes, motivation, sometimes despite having both it was a question of a collective will to win. With Jürgen Klopp at the helm, Liverpool players are slowly beginning to understand, that that is not an option.
Against Swansea, Liverpool FC showed the temerity to come back from a losing position they wouldn’t normally have. Conceding an early goal to Leroy Fer, they could have easily resorted to doing what they did vs Burnley. They did not, they bide their time, worked the angles and make hay when the sun shined. T4O goes through the player ratings.
Defence: 6.5/10
Early days for Loris Karius in a Liverpool shirt, but it seems like he’s beginning to realise the bombardment he’s going to be under from aerial ball. Looked a bit iffy, caught between two minds on whether to come out for the ball. 5 for the young German. It’s a 6.5 for Nathaniel Clyne, which may be a bit harsh for a man who regularly puts in 8 out of 10 performances. Was at fault for Baston winning the header that resulted in the Swansea opener.
6 for the pair of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren, as the pair seemed a bit nervy dealing with Baston. James Milner continues to be boring and predictably assured. His 8.5 performance in the second half did go a long way to compensate for that. His cool penalty assured Liverpool a vital win.
Midfield: 7/10
Penny for the thoughts of Adam Lallana. Liverpool’s player of the month of September had to go off injured in the 20th minute, when he was on the cusp of maintaining his imperious form. There’s the international break couldn’t have come at a better time for the England International, who has ran himself to the ground [almost literally] for the Liverpool cause. Jordan Henderson stepped it up in the second half, laying the foundation for the Liverpool counter. Assisted for the equaliser by Bob Firmino. 7.5 for the skipper. Genie Wijnaldum‘s ability on turning on a sixpence was crucial to Liverpool’s attacking transition in the second half. Anonymous in the first though, has to settle for a 6.5.
Attack: 7.5/10
Jürgen could have opted to go for a midfielder to throw in to replace Adam Lallana, but it was Daniel Sturridge that was sent on to signal Liverpool’s attacking intent. Dan did all right, but still looks off the pace, 6 for him, still has a way to go to find that burst of pace and sustained fitness to start in a Jürgen Klopp system. Sadio was perhaps the only attacking player for Liverpool was not sleep-walking in the first half. 7 for Sadio Mane, has a bright future ahead of him, if fitness and luck permits. Bob Firmino mugs a 8.5 in our ratings. Sublime movement for the header, and then winning the penalty for James to convert. Phil Coutinho‘s influence multiplied the moment he was dropped into the midfield three in the second half. Constantly on the press and sharp with possession pegged Swansea back just enough. 8.
