Jurgen Klopp’s men were finally back to winning ways this week as they put three past David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. Emre Can gave Liverpool the lead in the first half, with a deflected shot from distance and Roberto Firmino doubled the lead just before halftime, firing home from an acute angle.
The Terriers sat back all game, inviting pressure and Phillip Billing’s foul on Emre Can gave Mohamed Salah a chance to convert from the spot, which he duly did. Liverpool move level on points with Chelsea in the 3rd place, who play on Wednesday. Here are the player ratings for the Reds in this game:
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated:
Loris Karius (6):
Had no more than a couple of saves and catches to make which he did well, helping himself to a clean sheet.
Joe Gomez (6):
Ventured forward regularly as he was given the freedom to do so in the way the hosts were set up. Made a superb block late in the game in a performance that will boost his confidence.
Joel Matip (6):
Strayed a couple of passes devoid of pressure but was generally solid at the back, whenever called upon against the likes of Laurent Depoitre.
Dejan Lovren (6):
Had very little to do as Wagner set his men to sit back and defend for most of the game. Won most headers and was comfortable for most of the night.
Andre Robertson (5):
Allowed the hosts to go beyond him on a couple of occasions and was often wasteful with his crosses but was not tested enough on the flanks.
Jordan Henderson (5):
Quick to win the ball back off the hosts but was hardly adventurous in his passing.
Emre Can (8):
Controlled the tempo of the game, often taking people on. Opened the scoring on the night with a luck goal but did well to win the penalty and to create a couple of chances for Sadio Mane, which should have been put away.
James Milner (6):
Stuck to his task well, recycling possession all night and allowed Liverpool to dominate the game till the end.
Mohamed Salah (6):
Was frustrated all night by the lack of space in the final third. But was always a threat on the ball and made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0 deep in the second half.
Roberto Firmino (7):
Industrious all night, hurrying the Terriers in possession. A smart finish to take Liverpool 2-0 up, continuing his goal scoring form.
Sadio Mane (4):
Just not himself since returning back from injury, Mane displayed the first touch of a Sunday League player, losing the ball far too often. Missed a couple of easy headers and is desperately in need of some confidence.
Substitutes:
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6):
Came on with less than 20 minutes to play and took over Mohamed Salah’s role on the wing, giving the Egyptian some rest.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Came in after the game was done and dusted and did well to see it off with ease.
Dominic Solanke (N/A)
