Selhurst Park has given Liverpool their worst nightmares in recent times but Jurgen Klopp and men had no option but to go there and keep up their intense pressure on Manchester United for the second place. The game became woeful at the beginning for the away team as Karius gave away a penalty and Milivojevic delivered for Palace but Liverpool got themselves back well into the game in the second half and two neat goals from Mane and Salah were enough to take the three points home in spite of Palace having two good chances.
Here’s how the team of the Scousers have been rated:-
GK: Loris Karius – 5/10
Conceded a dismal penalty but avoided further mistakes and thankfully for Liverpool, he didn’t concede another. He has to assert himself more to cement his place completely ahead of Mignolet.
RB: Trent Alexander Arnold – 5/10
Suffered badly against Zaha initially as he failed to deal well with the forward’s runs but he grew into the game and did a decent job after that. His lovely whipped cross deserved justice too in the second half.
CB: Joel Matip – 6/10
Held his own beside Van Dijk and fared well.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
Much more noticeable in the game than his partner. Aerially he had a firm grip over Benteke on a lot of occasions and defended nicely whenever he came up individually against some trouble. Nearly scored early on as well but Mane’s deflection denied it.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 9/10
Absolutely superb today. Hardly put a foot wrong, neat and tidy with the ball and got an assist after a very good ball to Salah. Man of the match without a doubt for me.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 5/10
Needs to make his presence felt more enough and drag the team on like a leader. Very mediocre.
RCM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 5.5/10
Picked himself up after halftime but average for the majority of the game. Liverpool fans can certainly expect more.
LCM: James Milner – 7/10
Another one of those Liverpool players today who put in his shift and was error free for a lot of time. Decent while moving forward and did play well from the left. A perfect player for any manager because he always makes an effort.
RF: Mohamed Salah – 7.5/10
He was a bit of a silent figure for a good part of the opening minutes but he made it a different story altogether at the end. Took his chance really well with impressive composure and finished smartly. He just can’t stop scoring, can he?
LF: Sadio Mane – 5.5/10
Lucky to stay on the pitch after he controversially evaded a second yellow. Finished his goal really well to bring Liverpool on level terms. Quite a villain at the Selhurst today!
FW: Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Threatened on occasions but it was not some extraordinary day. He’d be pleased the team found the found the goals and won somehow.
Substitutes:-
AM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5/10
Brought purpose and positivity to the pitch and played his part in producing some very good passes. Good substitute appearance.
CM : Adam Lallana – N/A
CB : Dejan Lovren – N/A
