Liverpool moved up to the second position, well for one night at least, with their win over the Baggies. With City playing on Sunday, things are pretty tight at the top.
Liverpool player ratings
Karius (7/ 10)- To be honest, he didn’t have to do much on the pitch against West Brom. The hosts were hardly giving the opponent any breathing space. The only real threat came in the second half and Karius conceded one.
Clyne (8/ 10)- Didn’t have much to do. Took one shot at goal, a rare feat achieved by Liverpool’s back line all evening. Was active on the flanks with 21 passes in the attacking third. One special mention should be his tremendous run down the right flank and crossing to Can. It was a close shave.
Matip (7/ 10)- Was hardly present in the game. It was not until West Brom came really close that Matip was noticed. Had 5 ball recoveries and 1 interception.
Lovren (7/ 10)- Didn’t have much to do at the back. Recovered the ball 6 times from Albion’s occasional attacks.
Milner (7/ 10)- His new found role as a side back is really helping him age gracefully in the English Premier league. Provided some very important passes from the flanks, a successful 9 out of attempted 10. Although West Brom hardly pressed, Milner still recovered the ball 4 times.
Henderson (8/ 10)- Did the perfect role of an anchor, orchestrating the game quietly from the centre. Provided a successful 78 passes out of the 88 attempted despite being in constant pressure. Was also successful in providing 13 passes at the attacking third.
Lallana (9/ 10)- He was everywhere today. Every time the ball found Liverpool in a lucrative position in the opponent’s half, Lallana had to play a role in that.
Can (8/ 10)- Decent all evening, providing support to the link up plays with Coutinho, Firmino and Mane. He should have scored though in the second half but saw his sure shot blocked by Olsson.
Mane (9/ 10)- Scored a goal and apart from that was a constant threat in the opponent’s half. With 2 shots taken, one on target and the other the goal, it was decent night for Mane. Took full advantage of Albion’s crumbling defence.
Firmino (8.5/ 10)- Did what he does the best. He passed, he shot at the target, he dishevelled Albion’s defence and he linked up well up front. Carried out boss’ orders impeccably. He was back to his best. Took 4 shots with 2 on target.
Coutinho (9/ 10)- Unlucky not to have an assist when Lovren failed to convert his mouth watering cross from the set piece. The Brazilian was at his best once again. His cool finish after Albion’s miss pass shows his confidence in front of the goal. Coutinho breathed on Albion’s neck all evening.
