Chelsea’s draw against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge handed Liverpool a significant boost in leapfrogging their fierce rivals before their contest against struggling Huddersfield Town at John Smith’s Stadium. Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner, two old friends locked horns against each other in this tie and the Reds, although favourites, were lucky enough to grind out a 1-0 win on the road.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their narrow win against Huddersfield Town.
Alisson Becker: 7
Had a few nervy moments while playing the ball out from the deep, and was lucky to see Jonathan Hogg’s thunderous strike from a distance hitting the woodwork. Did well to grab Laurent Depoitre’s header early in the second half and earned his 6th league clean sheet in 9 encounters.
Joe Gomez: 7.5
Despite impressing in central defence, Gomez has been shifted to a right-back role to accommodate Dejan Lovren in central defence. Gomez, however, looked impressive while performing his defensive duties and also played his part in the build-up of Mohamed Salah’s solitary goal of the game.
Dejan Lovren: 6.5
Was comfortable in the first half but had a few anxious moments after the break while dealing with Depoitre and Steve Mounie.
Virgil van Dijk: 6.5
The Dutchman looked vulnerable once in the game as he failed to clear a cross properly which fell favourably for Mounie. The Beninese professional was unable to hit the target though. The centre-back was decent otherwise and dealt the pressure well while securing a clean sheet.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Looked strong defensively but was not as instrumental in attack as his previous outings. Made some overlapping runs and whipped in a few crosses, but failed to find his teammates on most occasions.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5
Was controlling the game in the middle of the park with timely tackles, blocks and snatching back possession. Was taken off at half-time due to a tight hamstring and got replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum in a like-for-like substitution.
James Milner: 7
Started the game despite leaving the pitch early against Manchester City with a hamstring strain a couple of weeks back. The veteran Englishman maintained his high work ethics, and despite Liverpool’s lack of creativity in the attacking third, Milner never allowed the Terriers to articulate the ball fluently in the centre of the pitch. Was lucky not to concede a spot-kick after handling the ball inside the box. Got replaced by Roberto Firmino late in the game.
Adam Lallana: 5.5
Made his first start in a long time after an injury layoff but failed to make it memorable with some heavy touches, misjudged movements and wasting opportunities up front. Never looked comfortable in left midfield and was taken off midway in the second half due to fatigue.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7
Had his moments in the game as he kept on changing flanks and tried to build up moves with great passing and crossing attributes. Found Salah spectacularly inside the box while breaking the deadlock and left a positive impression in his second start in Liverpool colours.
Mohamed Salah: 7
Not his best yet despite scoring a trademark goal from the right which proved to be the decider. The Egyptian wasted one glorious opportunity and lacked composure while passing the ball in the attacking third.
Daniel Sturridge: 5.5
Started the game brightly with his tricky footwork and holding ability. But he soon lost the grip and gave away possession far too easily. Klopp looked furious a couple of times for his lethargic movements in and around the box.
Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5
Was confident with the ball and showed strength in midfield while defending the one-goal lead.
Fabinho: 6.5
Came in place of Lallana and looked sharper than his previous games as he made a few crucial interceptions and clearances late in the game.
Roberto Firmino: 5
Had a dismal outing yet again as he misplaced simplest of passes in attack and skied his effort which should have been kept on target under any circumstances.
