Liverpool’s best chances of a trophy this season evaporated at Anfield this weekend as they fell to their first loss at home this season, in the 4th round of the FA Cup. The Reds hosted West Brom in an intriguing fixture, that was dominated by decisions that needed Virtual Assistant Referee. Roberto Firmino gave the hosts an early lead by Jay Rodriguez equalized just a minute later and took them 2-1 up in the 11th minute.
Liverpool’s defensive frailties were once again on show as Joel Matip’s own goal just before half-time meant that they went in 3-1 down. Mo Salah’s goal late in the second half gave the Reds a glimmer of hope but they were left ruing Roberto Firmino’s missed a penalty at 2-1, which has knocked them out of the FA Cup, for the third consecutive year under Jurgen Klopp, in the 4th round. Here are the player ratings for Liverpool in this tie.
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated
Simon Mignolet (4):
Was awful all night, showing no confidence and rarely coming out for crosses. May not have directly prevented any of the goals but should have done better for most of them.
Trent Alexandre-Arnold (5):
Had an off night where he lost the ball far too often but slowly picked his game up late in the second half.
Joel Matip (4):
At fault for the last couple of West Brom goals, where he should have dealt with the danger lot earlier before the ball ended at the back of the net.
Virgil van Dijk (5):
A solid presence at the back but did not do enough to keep West Brom from scoring thrice at Anfield.
Alberto Moreno (3):
Lost his man for the second and the third goals, and also gave very little assistance in the attack in a forgettable performance from the Spaniard.
Emre Can (3):
Lost his man far too often in the midfield and was playing catch up for most of the game before being replaced at the hour mark.
Georginio Wijnaldum (4):
Not adventurous enough in possession, losing momentum in attacks. Did well late in the game to pile the pressure on the Baggies.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (4):
Used his pace to good effect on a couple of occasions but was hardly visible otherwise, till he was taken off in the 62nd minute.
Sadio Mane (4):
Has not looked his own self, hesitant to take on his man and did very little to open the West Brom defence up on a frustrating night.
Mohamed Salah (5):
Was innovative in possession of the ball and troubled the West Brom backline till he got his goal but could not help Liverpool move into the next round of the FA Cup.
Roberto Firmino (5):
Scored a superb goal to give his side an early lead but missed a penalty and did very little otherwise, leaving his side a lot to do.
Substitutes:
Danny Ings (5):
Added a presence inside the box and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions as he continues his come back into the first team.
Jordan Henderson (6):
Showed more urgency than any other player on the field in Red but did not have enough time to overturn the deficit.
James Milner (5):
Did well to pile the pressure on the visitors and came very close to finding the equalizer.
