A thrilling midweek win against AC Milan must have galvanized Liverpool ahead of hosting Crystal Palace at Anfield this afternoon. The Eagles, a resurgent force after defeating Spurs, delivered yet another headstrong display in difficult surroundings. However, the Reds were resolute defensively and secured an apparently comfortable 3-0 victory.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 3-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Alisson Becker: 7.5
Made a great recovery early on to deny Wilfried Zaha. Had a busy second half but was impressive with high claims and outings under pressure. A well-deserved cleansheet for Liverpool’s sweeper-keeper.
James Milner: 9
Featured as a makeshift right fullback in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 35-year-old Englishman didn’t disappoint, rather exhibited his experience and supremacy against Zaha. Was solid at the back, also kept on making marauding runs to whip in crosses from the flank.
Ibrahima Konate: 7.5
Had a nervy start on his debut. Settled down eventually and did well to contain Christian Benteke in the defensive third. Was calm with the ball at his feet while playing it out from the back.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Showed why he is arguably the best centre-back. Dominated aerially, made key interceptions and recoveries, also assisted Salah to double the lead late in the game.
Kostas Tsimikas: 7.5
Started in place of Andrew Robertson who was rested following a gruelling midweek contest against AC Milan. The Greece international had some tough occasions against Conor Gallagher, but his crosses and set-pieces caused persistent menace at the other end of the pitch. Corners delivered from the left led to Mane and Salah’s goals in crucial moments.
Fabinho: 6.5
Had a steady first half but was a bit rusty after the break as he struggled to retain possession when the visitors were dominating the midfield game. Worked hard to marshall the defence and script quick transitions with his vision and passing range.
Jordan Henderson: 7
The skipper was denied by Vicente Guaita early on. Covered a lot of ground as he played a few smart one-twos with Salah and Milner down the right-hand flank. Was a bit clumsy with his tactical fouls and got replaced by Divock Origi late in the match.
Thiago Alcantara: 7.5
His thumping header was saved by Guaita in the Palace goal. Dominated the show from the middle of the park with his positioning, movements and creative spark. Was forced to leave the pitch with an injury just over the hour mark. Naby Keita was introduced for the final half an hour of the fixture.
Mohamed Salah: 8
Was not at his best, yet made the difference from the wing. His header from Tsimikas’ corner was saved by Guaita but fell into the path of Mane who made no mistake to fire in. Doubled the lead in the final quarter as he found the back of the net with a powerful strike.
Sadio Mane: 8
Much better from the Senegalese as he continued his scoring streak against the Eagles with goals in a record 9 successive outings. It was also his 100th goal in Liverpool colours. The performance this afternoon would certainly boost his confidence after a difficult start.
Diogo Jota: 5.5
A dreadful display from the Portuguese as he wasted a few glorious opportunities. One of them was a simple tap in, but he skied it from a point-blank range. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Curtis Jones.
Liverpool Substitutes Vs Crystal Palace
Naby Keita: 7.5
Was not doing enough in terms of protecting the lead until a stellar long-range strike that made it 3-0 in the final moments of the tie.
Curtis Jones: 7
Controlled the game with his swift runs, passing and link up since replacing Jota.
Divock Origi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
