Rating Our Players v Norwich City

LIVERPOOL FC finally got their first win this season in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers by beating Norwich City at Carrow Road 5-2.

Minus the few defensive and goalkeeping errors which lead to the Norwich goals, it was an almost perfect display of football by the Reds, who outclassed their opponents for the entire game.

It was a convincing win for the Reds and it will surely boost the confidence of the ream going into a new month with some relatively easy fixtures.

Liverpool as a team displayed great teamwork in the victory that could possibly start a winning streak for the Reds, who have been unlucky for the major parts of this season so far.

After every match, it’s necessary to look back and review the performance by every player, in order to evaluate who is developing and adapting to a new system. Here is my assessment of each player at Carrow Road.

Pepe Reina: Reina had one of his better games this season, although guilty of spilling Martin’s shot at the feet of Steve Morison for Norwich’s first goal, he still looked to be getting back to his best, making a string of timely saves in the first half despite Liverpool’s general domination. Looked confident for the first time this season between the sticks.

Player Rating: 6/10

Andre Wisdom: Premier League debut for Andre Wisdom couldn’t have gone better than this. He looked composed and coped well with the Norwich attack. Did not attack much but Wisdom took his job as a defender seriously and did a pretty good job. Made an important tackle on Holt from a quick set-piece which prevented what would have been a good chance. The youngster combined well with Suso.

Player Rating: 7/10

Daniel Agger: Agger had a good game, defensively there was nothing much to do for the Dane. Though Norwich had their chances and got two goals, he couldn’t have done anything about them. Was comfortable in possession and sent a perfectly timed through ball in the first half to set Suarez on goal only for the Uruguayan to put the ball wide.

Player Rating: 7/10

Martin Skrtel: Though had a decent game throughout the afternoon, Skrtel could have done better to deal with Jonny Howson’s ball which lead to Grant Holt’s goal. Did well to keep his foot on the ball and help Liverpool exert some control from the back.

Player Rating: 6/10

Glen Johnson: Johnson is really taking his attacking game to a next level. Defensively he had nothing much to do. Played a key role in Liverpool’s opener and supported Sterling really well in the left flank. Attacked aggressively down the left but did not neglect his defensive duties.

Player Rating: 6/10

Steven Gerrard: Gerrard got his second goal in as many games and finally looks to have bought into the new manager’s philosophy. He showed good partnership with Allen and Sahin, was disciplined throughout the game and hardly gave the ball away. Could have got two goals to his name had he not headed straight at Ruddy after making a brilliant run onto a wonderful Suarez pass.

Player Rating: 7.5/10
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Joe Allen: Liverpool’s player of the season so far, Allen capped another fine performance against Norwich City. Though not on the score sheet, he controlled the midfield and completed a fairly astonishing 91 passes during the game against Norwich City, and had a 96 % completion rate overall. Operated in front of the back four, he set the tempo and did not give the ball away, even in compromising positions. The foundation of every good passing move Liverpool managed.

Player Rating: 7.5/10

Suso: The young Spaniard looked incredibly confident on his first start to a Premier League game. He showed incredible touch and control on the ball, always looking in charge of the situation. He offered a good balance on the opposite flank to Raheem Sterling. Good in front of his marker, playing some dangerous through passes, but struggled to get behind Garrido and offer much penetration.

Player Rating: 7/10

Nuri Sahin: Sahin is adapting quickly to the life of Premier League. After a bit shaky start against Arsenal, he looked confident in the responsible playmaker role. He showed good understanding with Allen and Gerrard. Broke forward on a number of occasions and got his first goal in the league as well. He played as the most advanced of Liverpool’s central midfielders and Suarez benefited greatly from the support.

Player Rating: 7.5/10

Raheem Sterling: The breakaway performer from the youth academy, Sterling already looks comfortable at this level. He had a quiet first half but came to life in second to trigger the moves for Liverpool’s third and fifth goals.

Player Rating: 7.5/10

Luis Suarez: Norwich is a happy hunting ground for Suarez and his back-to-back hat-trick is evidence for that. Suarez could have easily got five but missed two relatively easy chances. However he made it up for that with three ruthless finishes. Sublime. He had a superb game at Carrow Road, made some great runs and kept the Norwich defenders on their toes for the entire game. Abuse was hurled in his direction all afternoon and he was denied a penalty but responded in the perfect way.

Player Rating: 9/10

Subs:

Oussama Assaidi (for Suso): Assaidi had very little to do. When he was introduced Liverpool were already out of reach. Offered a couple of pacy runs after coming off the bench but could not add to the scoreline.

Player Rating: 5/10

Jordan Henderson (for Sahin): Henderson, like Assaidi, got a run-out in midfield with the game already over but did well enough in keeping things ticking along in Sahin’s absence.

Player Rating: 6/10

Jamie Carragher (for Johnson): Carragher came on for Glen Johnson at the back, in the latter stages of the game and did not have much to do.

Player Rating: 5/10

Thanks a lot for reading. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed. You can also find me on Twitter @LEONGUI7E
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