After Wednesday evening very few of us probably had any fingernails left so it’s a good job Liverpool gave Spurs a good spanking as not many would have coped with another night like Sunderland in midweek. There aren’t many fans that could deny that the victory over Sunderland showed another side to Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool team, often missing since the days of Benitez – a side that demonstrated steal and nerve in the face of pressure from a ‘lesser’ team.
The victory over Tottenham yesterday though showed the side of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool that we’ve all become happily accustomed to this season. With that in mind, here’s live4liverpool’s player ratings:
Simon Mignolet – 7:The Reds goalkeeper pit in a much more assured display than on Wednesday evening, though he was obviously helped by Spurs woefulness, but he was more confident in himself and even managed to transition defence to attack with ease, several times.
Glen Johnson – 8: Probably Johnson’s best game of the season so far. He started early, assisting Kaboul for his first ever Liverpool goal and allowing the home side to get off to the best possible start. Thankfully, Liverpool’s best full-back seems to be hitting form at just the right time.
Dan Agger – 7: The Great Dane’s best game in a while, more so because he kept things simple and even managed to get himself forward on occasion. More is required of Agger defensively but he and Skrtel held firm in a potentially tricky game and didn’t give Soldado an inch.
Martin Skrtel – 8: The big Slovakian was again the solid core at the heart of an often nervous defence this season but he marshalled his back-line well and had Spurs’s striker in his pocket throughout. Skrtel, and his leadership qualities, will be required for the final 6 games.
Jon Flanagan – 8: After his last two rather nervy performances Flanagan roared back in with a display of attacking flair and aggression – not something you would have associated with him if you saw him when he first broke into the first team. Flanagan has yet to receive the call but there can be no doubt that he’s playing himself into the World Cup squad.
Steven Gerrard – 7: A more understated display from the captain who played a deeper role to allow for the inclusion of Raheem Sterling in place of Allen. Still, he managed to pull the strings and avoided another booking which means his availability for the next crucial ‘Cup Final’ next weekend.
Jordan Henderson – 8: Another display of attacking energy from Henderson who must surely be a contender for Young Player of the Year. Many forget his age, as he seems to have been around for years but while arguably the most improved player this year, he may still run one or two others close when awards get doled out.
Raheem Sterling – 9: Man of the Match for many, the young winger had been a revelation since getting back into the side and his form has been phenomenal since the start od the year. His intelligence with – and without – the ball, his movement and, most unexpectedly, his strength have made him invaluable. He didn’t let Spurs settle for a second and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself.
Philippe Coutinho – 9: While many bemoan the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss out on the World Cup, for me, the fact that the wealth of options Brazil has may see Liverpool’s little wizard miss out is equally as criminal. His display against Tottenham was as complete as the away sides many expensive midfield acquisitions were clueless. He made things happen, was able to play higher up and with freedom and if many more sides give him the kind of space Spurs did then the league will become a formality.
Daniel Sturridge – 8: Not the forward’s most lethal game but Sturridge was really up for it and made run after run into the opposition box and was always available to teammates. Another player that deserved a goal.
Luis Suarez – 9: Liverpool and the Premier League’s player of the year in waiting. If Suarez wasn’t in this Liverpool team they would obviously be much worse for it but the striker and his teammates compliment each other so well and he clearly enjoys playing with them, as evidenced by the celebrations that greet every one of his, and his teammates, goals. His 29 for the season will surely be added to in the final 6 games and will undoubtedly need to be if Liverpool are to never relinquish top-spot between now and the final day.
Substitutes:
Joe Allen – 7: Had a good, solid 30 minutes and helped to keep Liverpool a much needed clean sheet.
Lucas Leiva – 7: Great to have the Brazilian back. Had a few good touches and looked hungry to be involved. Lucas will be a crucial element in the big games against Chelsea and City.
Victor Moses – 6: Hard to really judge as he only got 10 minutes but looked more interested than he has all season, perhaps because he smells a potential title medal
Great ratings. I agree that Coutinho ran Sterling close for MoM, though everyone was great. Was really pleased to see Agger & Skrtel defend so well. They both won plenty of challenges and we had to fight off a few corners late on.
Faultless performance from all concerned, even Moses looked OK when he came on late in the game.
yep can’t argue with those ratings. let’s hope we don’t waste lots of money on new players in the summer with no interest in the club apart from money. team spirit counts for a lot. one or two decent additions needed but not major surgery. lot of young talent coming through. use them too