Liverpool faced off against Leicester City earlier today looking to continue their 100% winning start to the new season. The Reds began the match on the front foot and got off to a great start when Sadio Mane scored after Andrew Robertson’s driving run into the box. However, the Foxes came back into the game and created a few good chances of their own. Just seconds before the half-time whistle, Roberto Firmino scored with a well-placed header after meeting Jame Milner’s curved cross from a corner.
The home team turned on the pressure in the second half and pressed the Liverpool players high up the pitch. They were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Alisson made a massive error at the back which let the Foxes in with a chance to score. Rachid Ghezzal slotted home a goal which gave Claude Puel’s side some hope in the match. However, the Reds defended resolutely and came away with all three points from the contest at the King Power Stadium.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the contest against the Foxes.
GK: Alisson Ramses Becker – 5/10
The Brazilian made a few solid saves in the first half but made a huge error after the break which let Leicester in to make the game nervy for his side. Luckily for him, his defenders did enough to see out the victory.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.5/10
An unusually quiet game from the Liverpool right-back. He failed to make an impact in the opposition half while up against Ben Chilwell. However, he was defensively sound while facing his own goal.
CB: Joe Gomez – 9/10
He made a few last-ditch challenges to deny the Foxes from scoring. The Englishman couldn’t do much about Alisson’s error and was left exposed during the Leicester goal. Gomez was unlucky not to come away with a clean sheet, but he was one of the main reasons why Klopp’s side got a win at the King Power.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
Another strong showing from the Dutch colossus! He was aerially dominant and was a rock at the heart of the Reds defence.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 8.5/10
The Scottish full-back made a driving run to get past a few Leicester defenders and set up Sadio Mane for the opening goal. He worked tirelessly down the left flank and looked assured in defence.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5/10
The Dutch midfielder linked up well in midfield but was caught in possession at times. However, he was unable to make an impact in the final third.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
A dominant return to the Reds first-team for the English midfield enforcer. He put on a good shift but lacked the cutting edge with his distribution in the second half.
CM: James Milner – 8/10
The English veteran was a tireless runner and challenged for every loose ball in midfield to help his team keep possession. His curved delivery from a corner resulted in Roberto Firmino’s headed goal which was enough to send Liverpool back up to the top of the league table.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 6/10
The Egyptian was a constant threat in the first half but failed to convert an easy chance early on during the game. He had a quiet start to the second half and was eventually substituted ahead of the final quarter of the game.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian was outstanding with his delicate first touches and created a lot of chances for his teammates. He scored the second goal which turned out to be the difference on the day.
LM: Sadio Mané – 8.5/10
The Senegalese scored the crucial opening goal from close range and stretched the Foxes defence well. He played the full 90 minutes and was an excellent outlet for the away side down the right wing.
Substitutes:
CM: Naby Keita – 6/10
The Guinean came on to win some freekicks and help his team bag the three points.
CM: Xherdan Shaqiri – 7/10
The Swiss playmaker made a few driving runs and was a good outlet down the right flank.
CB: Joel Matip – N/A
He came off the bench to run the clock down and see out the win for the Merseyside club.
