Liverpool advanced to the next round of the English Football League Cup by overcoming unbeaten Premier League side Spurs 2-1 at Anfield in the fourth round yesterday night. Both sides did not play their best possible starting XI and it was a chance for some of their squad players and rising youngsters to impress. And, it was the fringe Liverpool players who came out on top against a similar Spurs side.
Daniel Sturridge scored a brace for the Reds while Vincent Janssen scored his second Spurs goal to pull one back for the Lilywhites. Sturridge opened the scoring in the ninth minute and doubled his tally in the 64th.
Spurs were awarded a chance to come back into the game by experienced Lucas Leiva as the Brazilian upended Argentine attacker Erik Lamela inside the box. Janssen defeated Mignolet from the spot but the North London side could not complete their comeback.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings from the game.
Simon Mignolet: 7.5/10
Looked quite solid under the bar as he got his chance. Made a number of solid saves throughout the game. However, he still needs to improve on the ball and his distribution.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5/10
The 18-year-old made a brilliant debut for the Reds. Showed great energy and hunger to burst forward on every opportunity. We can understand his adrenaline level was high on his debut from the poor tackle he made on Davies that saw him getting booked.
Lucas Leiva: 7/10
A great game from the skipper on the night. Defended on the front foot. Intercepted dangers pretty well and made a number of important tackles. His passing from the back was delightful. However, one high-profile error let him down once again as was the case in the Leicester City game when he played at the heart of the defence. It was a poor and unnecessary challenge from the Brazilian on Lamela to give away the penalty, even though it was pretty soft.
Ragnar Klavan: 6.5/10
Started a bit slowly but improved as the game went on. Played after a long time, so it is quite understandable. Didn’t do much wrong, though.
Alberto Moreno: 7/10
As always, was a big threat down the left flank with his attacking forays. Tracked back every time when his side was in danger and made some excellent recovery tackles.
Kevin Stewart: 7.5/10
Was neat and tidy in possession. Calm and composed approach. Did not try anything spectacular apart from one long shot in the first half that sailed over the bar. Made as many as five interceptions, the joint most in the game alongside Lucas.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 8/10
A brilliant game from the Dutchman. Bossed the midfield, pressed well, won the ball back, made some defence-splitting passes and tried to get his first Liverpool goal. His assist to Sturridge for the second goal was sublime.
Ovie Ejaria: 7.5/10
Liverpool have a serious talent in the hands in the 18-year-old midfielder who pulled the strings in midfield against Spurs time and time again. Spurs defenders struggled to keep him silent as he was the most fouled player.
Marko Grujic: 7/10
Was energetic in the middle of the park. Pressed well and his passing was delightful. Latched on the ball after N’Koudou’s poor touch and his deflected pass went Sturridge’s way who made sure that it went into the back of the net. A good game from the young Serbian.
Daniel Sturridge: 8.5/10
A great game from the gifted forward. Took his goals well and came close to a third with a deflected chip that struck the crossbar. Movement across the final third was good and he was not selfish but looked for passes when teammates were in better positions.
Divock Origi: 8/10
When the Kop chants your name, you must be a happy player. Such was the impact of Origi in the game. Pace, strength, skills and technique- he has it all to become a complete forward in coming years. A delightful display from the Belgian.
Substitutes
Danny Ings: 6/10
Did decent after replacing Origi. Worked hard up front and found himself getting two opportunities but failed to convert either. Looked over-eager but that’s understandable considering the time he was out for.
Nathaniel Clyne: 6/10
Typical Clyne display after replacing young Alexander-Arnold.
Emre Can: NA
