All eyes were set on the Liverpool, Leicester City and Chelsea games simultaneously, with the ‘top four’ still up for the grab in the final gameweek of the 2020-21 Premier League season. It was pretty straightforward for the Reds though as they had to win at Anfield against Crystal Palace to ensure a Champions League berth without depending on the other two outcomes.
Despite a nervy start, Liverpool took control of the show and eventually scripted a 2-0 win to secure a third-place finish as a reward to their epic comeback with a depleted backline.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool Players Rated In Their Commanding Win Vs Crystal Palace
Alisson Becker: 7.5
Made a couple of early saves to deny the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend. Was solid all throughout with his calmness while playing it out from the back. A well-deserved cleansheet for the flamboyant Brazilian.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7
Struggled initially against Zaha while defending the Eagles’ counter-attacks. But he settled in quickly and made his presence known high up the pitch with cut insides, crosses and link-up play. Defended well with timely recovery runs and interceptions.
Nat Phillips: 7.5
Misjudged a pass early on which Townsend failed to put into the back of the net. However, the promising Englishman delivered yet another resolute display from the heart of the backline and his aerial supremacy never allowed the visitors to threaten from a long-ball football POV.
Rhys Williams: 7.5
The youngster did his job once again alongside Phillips and played his part in Sadio Mane’s opener minutes after wasting one glorious opportunity from a corner. Did the basics right at the back in terms of passing and positioning en route to securing a clean sheet in front of the returning crowd.
Andrew Robertson: 8
Outstanding throughout with his marauding runs and equally effective at the back with trackbacks and tackles. His corners were menacing, and the one-twos with Mane down the left opened up space in Palace defence frequently. Made way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the closing seconds of the match.
Fabinho: 7
Was clumsy initially while passing the ball or winning it back. Improved his game as it progressed and dominated the show from his deep-lying role by breaking down the Eagles’ moves one after another.
Thiago Alcantara: 8.5
Was lively with his pressing and close-downs in the centre of the pitch. His passing was excellent as always which stretched the Palace defence time and again. His tireless efforts depicted why he is rated so highly across the globe.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 8
Played his last-ever game for this prestigious football club. A Liverpool great in his own right as he showed the composure and domination for one final time while operating in ‘midfield three’. Played his part in the build-up of Mane’s second and received a guard of honour as well as a standing ovation while making way for James Milner late in the match.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5
Was rushing for a goal to grab the Golden Boot award, particularly after Harry Kane’s goal against Leicester City. Had a few chances to find the net, but the Egyptian wasted those under pressure from Palace defence.
Sadio Mane: 9
Despite undergoing an underwhelming campaign, the Senegalese continued his sheer scoring streak against the Eagles. Tapped in from a close range to grab the lead and ensured the result in the second half when his deflected strike ended up into the back of the net.
Roberto Firmino: 7
Worked hard to build the moves from the deep and kept on creating chances for the likes of Mane and Salah high up the pitch. Was taken off to be replaced by Diogo Jota with seconds remaining.
Liverpool Players Rated In Their Commanding Win Vs Crystal Palace
Substitutes
James Milner: 6.5
Protected the lead and used his experience while committing tactical fouls to avoid a late upset this evening. Made his 250th appearance for Liverpool as well.
Diogo Jota: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
