Liverpool clashed heads with Cardiff City away at Cardiff City Stadium earlier today hoping to leapfrog Manchester City back to the top of the Premier League standings. The Reds began the match on the front foot but struggled to create a clear cut goalscoring opportunity in the first half.
However, the away side kept up the pressure in the second half and made the breakthrough in the 57th minute when Georginio Wijnaldum scored with a powerful strike. James Milner came on to make the points secure for the Merseyside outfit as they ran away 2-0 winners on the day.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the game versus the Bluebirds.
GK: Alisson Becker – 7/10
The Brazilian keeper was hardly troubled by the Cardiff attackers, but he did make a fantastic save when he parried away Oumar Niasse’s goal-bound shot.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.5/10
The English full-back had a few issues while defending in his half. However, he came back stronger in the second half and got an assist to show for his efforts.
CB: Joel Matip – 8/10
The Cameroonian centre-back won a lot of aerial duels and made some crucial clearances during the game. He also made some late runs into the Cardiff box which caused a few problems for Neil Warnock’s defenders.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 8/10
The Dutch defender organised his defence well and was a commanding figure at the heart of Klopp’s backline. He was dominant on the ball and kept a well-deserved clean sheet away at Wales.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 6/10
The Scottish full-back was unusually quiet in the attacking third of the pitch. Most of his crosses were inaccurate, but to his credit, he was solid defensively throughout the contest.
CM: Naby Keita – 7/10
The Guinean talent was full of energy and running in midfield. He also curved open the Bluebirds defence a couple of times which should please Klopp.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 9/10
The Dutch midfielder worked his socks off and took his opportunity to make the breakthrough in the 57th minute when he scored with a powerful strike.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The English playmaker was always willing to link up play with Salah and Alexander-Arnold down the right flank. However, he was a bit wasteful in the final third.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 7.5/10
The Egyptian winger was not that busy as he is on other days. However, he did earn the penalty which made the points secure for the visitors.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian forward was mediocre in the first half but came back stronger than ever in the second. Some of his passing during the latter stages of this encounter was a joy to watch.
LM: Sadio Mane – 7/10
The Senegalese forward stretched the pitch out on the wide areas and was a constant threat in the opposition half. Unfortunately, he did not manage to score today.
Substitutes:
CM: Fabinho – N/A
The Brazilian midfield ace came off the bench but was immediately substituted after he sustained a knock.
CM: James Milner – 8/10
The English talent brought some calmness to the Reds’ midfield and stepped up to slot home the penalty for Liverpool in the 81st minute.
CB: Joe Gomez – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
