Player Ratings: Liverpool FC 3 – 1 Crystal Palace

LIVERPOOL climbed back to the top of the league on Saturday with a fairly comfortable win against Ian Holloway’s Crystal Palace.

Despite a dominant first-half, Palace came back into the second-half as we failed to maintain the same tempo as we have so often done this season.

Here are my player ratings from the clash from Anfield.

Simon Mignolet 7/10

An assured performance. One great save from a deflection in the first half but was never fully tested throughout. Handling and catching was clean, as were some nice flighted passes to the full backs.

Mamadou Sakho 8/10

The best of the 3 centre-backs. Won countless tackles and headers and last minute blocks, as he often had to contend with the space left by the marauding Enrique. Is settling well into Anfield life and understandably keeping out the now fit again Daniel Agger. One close scrape when he nearly miskicked into his own net when put off by Mignolet diving in front of him.

Martin Skrtel 6/10

A solid performance. Most of the tough defending was done on either side of him and by the excellent tackling of Jordan Henderson in front. Cameron Jerome was fairly anonymous as the big striker struggled to understand how to play against 3 centre-backs. Could have used the time he had on the ball to be more constructive with his passing and bring the ball out of defence more often, as I imagine Agger would have done.

Kolo Toure 7/10

An increasingly astute signing by Brendan Rodgers. His calmness in possession and preference to stay on his feet unless absolutely necessary ensured he was able to slow the attacking thrust from the right side to allow for others to get back to help defend. Was often drawn out to the right flank to cover for the inexperienced Sterling.

Jose Enrique 6/10

A very good first half where his attacking forays led to a number of good opportunities including setting up Suarez’s goal with typically good interchanging with the Uruguayan. A much less effective second half where his inconsistency again showed, however the 3-4-1-2 system gives him the extra defensive cover that he probably needs.

Jordan Henderson 8/10

Showed what an increasingly valuable player he is with an excellent performance deputising for the suspended Lucas. Boundless energy, covering for other attackers, intelligent positional play and won numerous tackles. Pressed regularly but also seemed to know when to drop off. Made the game much easier for the rest of his teammates. One of the few players, along with Suarez, who maintained their tempo in the second half while the rest of the team didn’t seem to.

Steven Gerrard 6/10

The skipper got forward more often than he has done in recent weeks, and scored a comfortable penalty when Raheem Sterling was fouled in the first half. Was as guilty as anyone for dropping in tempo in the second half and looked like he was conserving energy for England.

I certainly hope that England qualify over this international break and then perhaps Stevie’s attentions can be fully focused again. I’m not saying Stevie isn’t 100% committed to our cause, he is still our icon and always does his best. But perhaps England’s difficulties and stresses are having some negative effect on his Liverpool form. At fault for the goal for not adequately defending the near post when he allowed Gayle to run in front of him and score.
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
Raheem Sterling 5/10

I don’t want to criticise young Raheem too much as at just 18 he has a lot to learn as a winger, let alone playing in an unfamiliar role at right wing-back. Despite giving his absolute all, Raheem had a difficult afternoon. He frequently made himself available on the right, but his passing was too often wayward and he at times seemed a touch out of sync with the other players.

Defensively, was beaten too easily on a number of occasions, lost the ball in dangerous positions and didn’t get close enough to the wide man to stop crosses. A big learning process for the boy and hope he absorbs and improves. With Lucas returning, Henderson is much the better option over Raheem in this position, and as I mentioned in my last article, if Kelly is unfit I would have gone for Jon Flanagan instead.

Victor Moses 6/10

His best game in this unfamiliar role as he comes to terms with this new position. Moved well and frequently got forward providing plenty of bodies in the box. Good run across the 18 yard line that eventually led to Suarez’s goal, but missed some really good chances. Missed some opportunities to slip strikers in behind when well placed.

Played very much like a third attacker, didn’t drop into midfield effectively enough (a la Coutinho) to help maintain and rotate possession, which contributed to us not having enough control of the ball. Like Gerrard and Enrique faded significantly in the second half and was subbed.

Luis Suarez 8/10

Brilliant performance throughout and could have had a couple more goals. Linked consistently well with Sturridge, Enrique and Moses and it’s just wonderful that he’s still giving his all to the Liverpool cause. I’m not going to even try to think about what may or may not happen next summer.

Daniel Sturridge 7/10

19 goals in 25 games and he looks even more likely to score with Suarez up alongside him. Fabulous twisting and turning to score from a tight angle for the second goal, hit the post with his right foot and linked well with everyone.

After a disappointing performance against Manchester United, when his first touch seemed completely off, he’s showed that that was only a blip with yet another good performance. Faded at times in the second half, and needs to continue to train hard to ensure his level doesn’t dip during lull periods in games. In that, Suarez is not only a great strike partner but also a great example for him.

Substitutes

Luis Alberto 6/10

Good cameo for the young Spaniard. Got on the ball, flitting in between the lines, coming deep, and passed precisely. Some good probing passes. Is an unselfish player that has the awareness to always try to pick the best available option. With more confidence will likely be more incisive in future.

Daniel Agger 6/10

Lively return for our vice-captain who clearly wants to win his place back in the side. Committed defending and got forward at opportune moments in a manner none of our other centre-backs chose to during the earlier part of the game.

Iago Aspas 5/10

Eager to impress and ran hard but couldn’t quite get into the game. Booked for kicking the ball away when he probably thought the referee was actually blowing the final whistle. Summed it up for the little Spaniard who is still very much in the acclimatisation phase.

What are your ratings?

You can catch more from me on my own blog: http://taintlessred.blogspot.co.uk/

Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com

Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook