Despite being on top of their form in recent weeks, Liverpool’s ‘top four’ hopes suffered a massive setback when their key man Sadio Mane was diagnosed with a ligament injury ahead of their Anfield outing against Bournemouth and is set to miss the remainder of the campaign. Bournemouth, who defeated the Reds dramatically at Dean Court in the previous meeting, were supposed to take advantage of their latest concerns. However, the Reds’ again failed to grab a win against a bottom half side and only settled in for a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated From Their Hugely Disappointing Draw Vs Bournemouth
Simon Mignolet: 5
Conceded early when Benik Afobe slotted home following a suicidal back-pass of Gini Wijnaldum. Was nervy and should have been more commanding with punches and clearances.
Nathaniel Clyne: 6.5
Despite a few heavy touches, the birthday boy did well with his overlap runs, crosses and defensive duties. Was unlucky to hit the woodwork with a long-range stunner from the right-hand flank.
Dejan Lovren: 6
Nervy while defending set-pieces, but did well to contain Afobe’s physicality and Joshua King’s pace.
Ragnar Klavan: 5
Klavan got a nod over Joel Matip as he felt a back pain ahead of the game. He had initial stumbles, a few missed passes and was at fault while conceding Bournemouth’s equaliser.
James Milner: 6
Milner is being used as a make-shift left back and the veteran Englishman was impressive with his defensive duties as well as forward runs to help his attackers.
Lucas Leiva: Â 6.5
Following his majestic derby display, Lucas was impressive once more as he worked tirelessly to keep control of the game from the middle of the park. Reckless at times, earned an early booking.
Emre Can: 7
His tireless box to box runs, aggression and combative approach helped the Reds to keep possession in midfield. The German tried hard to contribute in the attack in order to upturn the score-sheet and somewhat managed to do so.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6
His horrendous back-pass led Bournemouth to take an early lead via Afobe. However, his wonderful cross to the far post for unmarked Origi helped his side to turn things around at Anfield.
Philippe Coutinho: 7
Took time settle in. But brought his side back into the game as he tapped home after his fellow countryman Roberto Firmino played with him late into the first half. Was taken off and replaced by Joel Matip minutes after Origi’s goal.
Roberto Firmino: 7
His work-rate was applauded once more and also helped his side to find the equaliser as he played Coutinho in who made it all square late into the first half.
Divock Origi: 7
Should have scored one in the first half when he failed to connect from a corner. However, he scored the Reds’ second goal of the night after picking up Wijnaldum’s wonderful cross at the far post and headed it home.
Substitutes
Joel Matip: 5
Matip, who was not risked from the start due to a minor back strain, came as a substitute in place of Coutinho to strengthen the Reds’ backline in order to defend their 2-1 lead. But his inclusion did not help his side as they conceded late into the game when Joshua King struck home to end it all square at Anfield.
