Liverpool played hosts to Leicester City as part of their last competitive match of 2017. The Reds were hoping to end their year on high by securing all three points at home versus the Foxes which would help them in their quest to finish in the top four. New signing, Virgil Van Dijk was present in the stands to witness his new employers make a poor start to the game. The Reds’ backline was at fault again when they gave away the ball cheaply in defence as Jamie Vardy scored the game’s opening goal. The Foxes defended valiantly and after some wasteful finishing from the home team, they went into half-time one goal to the good.
Jurgen Klopp’s men began the second half on the front foot and got a deserved equaliser through Mohamed Salah’s goal. And the Reds pushed on and finally found the winner through their Egyptian maestro Salah once again going into the final quarter of the game. Liverpool capped a wonderful come-from-behind victory in their last match of this year.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared in the contest.
GK: Loris Karius – 6/10
The German goalkeeper couldn’t do anything for Leicester’s opening goal but he did put up a strong showing in goal for the Reds.
RB: Joe Gomez – 7/10
The English full-back was superb on the right side of the Liverpool defence and linked up well while going forward. He did his job to keep Marc Albrighton quiet when facing his own goal as well.
CB: Joel Matip – 5/10
Not the best performance from the big Cameroonian at the heart of the Liverpool defence. He gave away the ball in the first few minutes and got punished. He should be concerned about his place in the side following the arrival of Van Dijk.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 6/10
The Croatian was quietly strong in defence for Jurgen Klopp’s men. He could have scored with a header from Coutinho’s corner but his attempt missed the target.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 6/10
The young Scotsman was outstanding while defending but had an off game going forward. His crosses failed to find the target on many occasions but he is definitely improving under Jurgen Klopp.
CM: James Milner – 7/10
Another industrious display by the English international. He bagged the assist for Liverpool’s winner and was really good at the centre of the park.
CM: Emre Can – 6/10
The German huffed and puffed but did enough in midfield to help Liverpool bag another win at Anfield.
CM: Phillipe Coutinho – 7/10
The Brazilian magician created so many chances for Liverpool on the day and was one of the Reds’ most influential players on the pitch.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 9/10
The Egyptian could have scored a hattrick in the first half and almost scored a hattrick in the second half as well. His two goals on the day helped his side earn a rare come from behind victory against a dogged Leicester team.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian linked up well with his team-mates and was unlucky not to score on the day.
LW: Sadio Mane – 7/10
The Senegalese international is slowly but surely returning to form. He scored two goals but both were unfortunately ruled out as off-side.
Substitutes:
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
He came on to provide some fresh legs in the midfield and did just enough to secure the three points.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
The English midfielder is pushing for a regular place in the starting eleven. He chased down every ball and did well after being subbed on.
CB: Ragnar Klavan – N/A
He had too little time to make an impact in the game.
