Liverpool returned to winning ways and they did it in some style as they defeated Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium. It was a comfortable win for the Reds and Boro hardly created any good openings. Liverpool picked up their first Premier League win at the Riverside Stadium since March 2002, ending a run of seven trips there without a victory.
Even though Boro have shown a good resilience in defence in their comeback campaign in the Premier League, their defence was no match for Liverpool’s attack who are the top scorers in the division. Adam Lallana stole the show with two goals and one assist while Divock Origi scored the fifth time running in all competitions.
It was a much-needed win for the Reds after they lost five points in their last two Premier League encounters. Simon Mignolet replaced errant Loris Karius under the bar and had very little to do apart from one impressive save in the first half. Boro drop down to 17th after the defeat and lack of attacking threat in his side will concern Karanka for sure.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings from their impressive away win at Boro.
Simon Mignolet: 8/10
The pressure was on the Belgian international who replaced Karius under the bar. Made three solid saves in the first half, especially the one to deny Viktor Fischer. Communicated well with his back four. A convincing display from the Belgian.
Nathaniel Clyne: 8/10
Set up Lallana for Liverpool’s opener. Was solid on either end of the pitch. A top-class display.
Dejan Lovren: 7.5/10
Was solid throughout the game especially in the second half. Liverpool went long in the second half and it was Lovren whose passes cut open Boro’s defence time and time again.
Ragnar Klavan: 8/10
Such composure in defence is really praise-worthy. Looked comfortable on the ball and read the game well. Picked out nice passes from the back.
James Milner: 7/10
Struggled to keep youngster Adam Traore silent in the first-half but did his job to an extent as Traore lacked the final pass. Much improved second half display, though.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Hardly did anything fancy. Led the team well and his passing was solid. Covered every blade of grass and dictated the tempo of the game.
Adam Lallana: 10/10
Whatever he touched, turned into gold. Seemed to be everywhere on the pitch. Took his opener really well and scored the second with a neat finish. Set up Origi’s goal with incredible craft.
Gini Wijnaldum: 6.5/10
Looked much average when compared to his teammates but his game wasn’t about being glossy and was more about composure.
Sadio Mane: 7/10
Troubled Boro with his pace time and time again. Could have scored a hat-trick on another day.
Divock Origi: 8/10
Scored his fifth goal on the trot. Worked hard to create openings. Took his goal well and also set up Liverpool’s third.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5/10
Hardly did anything in the first half but was brilliant in the second. Took defenders on for fun and linked up play well.
Substitutes
Lucas Leiva: NA
Ovie Ejaria: NA
Trent Alexander- Arnold: NA
