Liverpool welcomed Cardiff City at Anfield earlier today as they focused on earning a win so that they can secure a place in the next round of the FA Cup. The Reds were dominant in the first half but were lackluster in the final third as they went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
Diogo Jota finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when he found the back of the net with a great header. Takumi Minamino doubled Liverpool’s advantage just 15 minutes later when he scored from close range before Harvey Elliott made it 3-0 to the Reds with a great individual goal in the 76th minute. Rubin Colwill got a goal back for the visitors soon after but the Merseyside outfit ended up winning the contest by a 3-1 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the clash against Cardiff.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – 6.5/10
The Reds keeper had one nervy moment in the game as he got booked for a late challenge. Otherwise, he was solid at the back but won’t be pleased after conceding a goal in the second half.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
The English talent’s quality from set-pieces was poor in the first half. However, he picked up a good assist for setting up Diogo Jota’s header in the 53rd minute.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 6.5/10
Konate performed his defensive duties well but will be disappointed after allowing a goal in the second half.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
Van Dijk dealt with mostly everything that came his way and his ball distribution was excellent as usual.
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LB: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 7/10
He made some encouraging runs with the ball and was always willing to whip in a cross into the danger area.
CM: Naby Keita – 6.5/10
Keita tried to make things happen with his passing but lacked the cutting edge up top.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The Liverpool captain anchored the midfield well and kept possession moving with conviction during his time on the field.
CM: Curtis Jones – 6/10
He showed great desire to get on the ball but was a bit selfish in front of the opponent’s goal.
RW: Takumi Minamino – 7.5/10
The Japan international linked up play well with others around him and got his name on the scoresheet with a good finish from close range.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Firmino was brilliant when interchanging possession with his teammates but there was no goal for him today.
LW: Diogo Jota – 8/10
The Portuguese striker produced a moment of magic and tested the opposition keeper with a powerful strike early in the game. He kept pushing and finally found the back of the net with a well-executed header in the 53rd minute.
Substitutes:
LW: Luis Diaz – 7/10
He was full of energy down the left flank and has got an assist to show for his efforts after setting up Minamino’s goal.
CM: Harvey Elliott – 7.5/10
The talented youngster marked his comeback from injury by scoring a great individual goal.
CM: James Milner – 6/10
He added some bite and steel to Liverpool’s midfield.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
Robertson secured an assist for creating Elliott’s goal.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 6/10
He gave away the ball cheaply which led to Cardiff’s goal.
