Following a midweek triumph against Bundesliga outfit, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in UEFA Champions League play-off first leg fixture, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were upbeat before their first home outing of the season against Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been a bogey team for Liverpool who had won on their last three trips to Anfield. Yet, the Reds boss experimented with his lineup as he rested a few of his first-team regulars ahead of the return leg fixture on coming Wednesday night. Although they had to wait around 70 minutes to break the deadlock, Liverpool finally broke the Palace curse and registered a 1-0 win banking on Sadio Mane’s strike.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from this fixture.
Simon Mignolet: 7
The Reds’ custodian denied Jason Puncheon’s strike in the first half and impressed with his outing. Earned his first clean sheet of the season.
Joe Gomez: 7
Started in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold and tried to link up with Sadio Mane down the right-hand flank. Was focused defensively and tracked back when required.
Joel Matip: 8.5
Matip was solid aerially, used his physicality and brought stability in the Liverpool defence. Missed a decent opportunity in the first half as he failed to direct a free header into the net from a sublime Andrew Robertson cross. But the former Schalke 04 centre-back was standout throughout the game. He not only helped the Reds to hold the lead but also kept on making forward runs and troubling the Eagles defence.
Ragnar Klavan: 7.5
Started the game in place of Dejan Lovren. Did well to contain big man Christian Benteke. Misplaced a few passes, but pulled off a few crucial blocks and tackles to retain the clean sheet.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5
Looked impressive on his official debut. Hard work, no-nonsense defending and exquisite crosses made him the best player on the pitch in first half. Could have scored on his debut, but his second half strike was spectacularly denied by Palace custodian Hennessey.
Jordan Henderson: 6
The skipper was quiet in the first half but improved since half-time and tried to switch the game using his passing traits.
James Milner: 6
Milner started the game in his usual midfield role. Could not make a creative impact on the game, but worked tirelessly in the middle of the park.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5
The Dutchman looked off-colour yet again. Although he tried to distribute the game and hold possession, he was less impactful and was taken off to be replaced by Dominic Solanke in the second half.
Sadio Mane: 7
Mane, who did not train since having a knock against Hoffenheim midweek, looked fatigued and off-paced. But he started to show his flair after Mohamed Salah’s arrival and eventually scored the decisive goal to break the deadlock in the second half.
Daniel Sturridge: 5.5
Sturridge was handed a start after recovering from his muscle injury. But the Englishman failed to make any noteworthy contribution before being taken off to be replaced by Mohamed Salah.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5
Worked hard, tested the keeper a number of times. Had a quiet first half but improved late on. Was subbed off towards the end.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah: 7
Was impressive coming off the bench. Started to use the channels well and terrorized the Palace back-line with his pace, dribbles and trickery. Was denied by Hennessey spectacularly towards the end.
Dominic Solanke: 6.5
The teenager made an instant impact and played his part in Mane’s goal minutes after entering the pitch replacing Wijnaldum. Was denied by Hennessey towards the end.
Dejan Lovren: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
