Premier league football is back once again following the international break and the game week began with one of its most exhilarating encounters when Liverpool welcomed age-old rivals Manchester United at Anfield this afternoon. United, the league leaders (jointly with city rivals Manchester City who are just ahead on goal difference), were yet to lose a game whereas Jurgen Klopp’s side only managed one single win in last seven outings. The Saturday afternoon fixture, thus, was a critical outing for both outfits and the game deserved all the hype it generated for past few days.
The match, however, ended in goalless despite Liverpool’s dominance as Mourinho’s deep defensive strategy worked out in his side’s favour.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from this futile outing.
Simon Mignolet: 7
Mignolet was largely untested this afternoon except for a first-half stop when Romelu Lukaku failed to beat his fellow countryman one-on-one.
Joe Gomez: 8
His best outing since the Arsenal outing as he never allowed Anthony Martial or his substitute Marcus Rashford dominate the game using the right-hand flank. He distributed the ball well and impressed with his crosses.
Joel Matip: 8
Did not have to do much defensively as Romelu Lukaku remained isolated for the entire game. The centre-back, however, had the best chance of the game on the other end which was sensationally stopped by David De Gea from close range.
Dejan Lovren: 7.5
Barring a few early uncomfortable moments, the Croatian was pretty solid and never allowed United to play enough passes around Liverpool’s box.
Alberto Moreno: 7
Allowed space initially and misplaced a few passes, but improved his game quickly and kept on making forward runs in order to create chances up front.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5
The skipper played plenty of passes in midfield but lacked enough attacking movements and his intention of distributing some key passes went in vain due to lack of accuracy.
Emre Can: 7
Can made some sensational solo runs which lacked finishing. He had the simplest of opportunities in the second half as he made a decent run, picked out Gomez’s cross but failed to find the net despite being unmarked. Did well defensively too with his pressing and recovered a number of balls using his physical presence.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7
Wijnaldum started the game brightly with his power, agility and holding ability. But he had a quiet second half and could not provide enough creativity upfront for the front trio.
Mohamed Salah: 7
The Egyptian superstar was excellent with his runs, movements, touches but lacked finishing in front of goal once again. Salah had a few chances to break the deadlock which he failed to capitalize. Was taken off late in the second half and was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5
Firmino worked hard and pressed high up the pitch to win back possession. Made some majestic movements that opened up United defence but failed to deliver enough to break the deadlock. Was replaced by Dominic Solanke towards the end.
Philippe Coutinho: 6
The Brazilian was not allowed enough space by Antonio Valencia and could not manage to find the back of the net like his previous outings. Was taken off and replaced by Daniel Sturridge late in the game.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge: 5
Did not have enough touches, still, lacks pace and is yet to rediscover his form.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7
Looked promising and troubled Matteo Darmian down the right-hand flank with his runs and crosses.
Dominic Solanke: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
