Liverpool played hosts to Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday afternoon looking to consolidate their position in the top 4. Jurgen Klopp made a few changes for this game and it backfired as the Potters put up a defensively resolute performance in the first-half and kept the match scoreless going into half-time, much to the frustration of the Anfield faithful.
The second half began with the Reds dominating possession while putting up wave after wave of constant pressure in the opposition half. However, the Potters defended valiantly and managed to dig out a goalless draw on the day. The 0-0 result will give Stoke City some hope in their quest to avoid relegation while the Reds turn their attention to the midweek UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash versus AS Roma.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the encounter.
GK: Loris Karius – 6.5/10
He hardly had anything to do in the game but earned another clean sheet in the league. His ball distribution was mostly on the mark with a few nervy moments to deal with.
RB: Joe Gomez – 5.5/10
Not the best game for the English youngster, he struggled to pass the ball well but came back strong in the second half to earn his team a shut-out on the day.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
The Dutchman looked classy in the Liverpool backline and put in another impressive showing in defence to secure a well-deserved clean sheet for his team against a hungry Stoke side.
CB: Ragnar Klavan – 6.5/10
The veteran centre-back put in a good performance during the match and looked composed on the ball.
LB: Alberto Moreno – 7/10
The Spaniard looked reliable defensively while providing the home side with an outlet down the left flank.
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
The youngster tried to adapt himself to a new role in midfield but never looked comfortable. He was mostly ineffective during the game and got subbed after the half-hour mark.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
He put in a captain’s performance at the heart of the Liverpool midfield and did well to recover from his injury in the first-half to put in a tireless performance during the contest.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5/10
He lacked the final pass in the opposition half but worked hard for the Merseyside club in midfield.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 5/10
The Egyptian had an off-day up top and missed a glorious chance in the first five minutes of the game which ultimately cost Liverpool two points.
LM: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian drifted in and out of the game but looked the only person in the Liverpool team who would be able to open up the Potters defence. Unfortunately for him, his teammates failed to take the chances that fell their way.
ST: Danny Ings – 6/10
He worked hard and scored a disallowed goal with an emphatic finish. However, Ings failed to make enough impact in the opposition half and was rightfully substituted later on during the contest.
Substitutes:
CM: James Milner – 7/10
The English midfielder brought a lot of energy from the bench but couldn’t help his side score the winning goal.
RM: Nathaniel Clyne – 6/10
He came off the bench to provide an outlet down the right flank but his delivery into the box left a lot to be desired.
