Bottom placed Swansea City look destined for the Championship as their trip to Anfield ended in a humiliating 5-0 loss to Liverpool on Boxing Day. Philippe Coutinho’s sublime finish gave Liverpool an early lead in the game but the Reds did not look at their best, as the visitors enjoyed more possession till the break.
However, the hosts came out all guns blazing as a brace from Roberto Firmino and goals from Trent Alexandre-Arnold and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sent Swansea packing. The Reds managed to retain their 4th place in the points table and here are the player ratings in this comfortable victory:
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated
Simon Mignolet (6):
The first save he had to make came just before the final whistle as he helped himself to an easy clean sheet.
Trent Alexandre Arnold (9):
Probably his best league performances in the senior side for Liverpool, where he put in a number of superb crosses, dealt with the threat of Ayew well on the flank and capped it all off with a stunning goal, to help his side to a victory.
Joel Matip (6):
Was hardly tested by a mis-firing Swansea City side as he got the better of both McBurnie and Abraham, earning his side a clean sheet, in the first game back from an injury.
Ragnar Klavan (7):
Was solid at the back for most game but was even better with his long-balls, constantly finding his team mates in dangerous areas in the final third.
Andrew Robertson (6):
Was caught out of position on a number of occasions, giving Swansea space to work with down his flank but did well to recover on most occasion, keeping Mignolet’s goal away from danger.
Emre Can (6):
Stuck to his task in the midfield, winning the ball back quickly but was too pedestrian in his passing and could have been punished on another day.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Was quick to turn defense into attack on most occasions, taking the Swansea’s midfielders on and keeping his side on the front foot.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (8):
An energetic performance in the midfield, where he was full of running and attacking intent. Scored a goal with a smart finish, to cap off a productive evening.
Philippe Coutinho (9):
The man of the match for Liverpool on the night, Coutinho put in a stupendous performances, scoring a goal, picking up an assist, and running the game in the final third. Did misplace many passes by did enough to help his side to a thumping win.
Mohamed Salah (7):
Picked up a couple of assists and should have scored atleast once, as he continues his impressive debut season at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino (9):
The Brazilian false9 is fast turning into one of the best players for Liverpool. He was all over the Swansea backline, harassing them and winning the ball back. Scored a couple of goals, created a number of chances and helped Liverpool to an easy victory.
Substitutes:
Dominic Solanke (7):
Was full of purpose for the last 20 minutes of the game and will consider himself unlucky to not find the back of the net.
Adam Lallana (7):
Came on with 20 minutes to play and only improved Liverpool’s threat in front of goal.
James Milner (N/A):
Replaced Andrew Robertson late in the game to give the Scot some rest.
