Mignolet was in good form for the team last night
GK/Defence (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Another excellent performance. The complaint at the weekend was that he didn’t get near any of Arsenal’s goals (although, that’s not to say he was to blame) but last night he managed to save Liverpool embarrassment on a couple of occasions, taking on much of the organizational duties in Skrtel’s absence. Rating – 8 – Man of the Match
Glen Johnson – Not a bad night from Johnson, all told. There were gasps of Twitter-fury when his name was announced on the pre-match team sheet but he acquitted himself well and looked mature and calm throughout. Rating – 6.5
Dejan Lovren – See what happens to a player shorn of confidence when you put a real life defensive midfielder in front of him? Obviously, a good defender shouldn’t need help to be a good defender but in the modern age of football, teams need extra protection from midfield and with Lucas providing it Lovren looked calm and comfortable – for the most part – all night. Rating – 7
Mamadou Sakho – Was solid for the short period he was on the pitch and we can only hope he returns for the game on Monday. Rating – 6
Alberto Moreno – Solid, if unspectacular, and ensured he got the basics down before getting further up the field. In truth, he wasn’t actually tested for most of the night but the clean sheet should help everybody’s confidence after letting in 6 in the past 2 games. Rating – 6.5
Although I don’t blame Brendon for this seasons poor displays it’s frustrating to watch him say we have taken a step forward from last season if we win the FA cup. The owners have restricted transfers and wages and players are refusing to extend contracts especially as they know how much more money the clubs will be getting with the television sponsorships. We have been transformed into a feeding club. Let’s look at Rodgers comments from the start of season. First he says the bigger squad can take us one step further this season, then he says any team would struggle if they lost Suarez , then he says our aim was only to get in top 4 this season, after a good run he says we are eyeing Manchester citys 2nd place and we are back to our best, then a few bad displays and results he says top 4 unrealistic but our aim this season was always to challenge for the top 4. At this rate he will soon be saying our aim was to finish above Everton !!! With the way he aims I’m glad he isnt a soldier in our armed forces !