The Frenchman was in solid form against Sunderland
GK/Defence
Simon Mignolet – So often the engineer of his own downfall, Mignolet thankfully didn’t quite muck up again tonight. He was largely untroubled for most of the game but was at his flappy worst late in the second half and had the nerves on edge. Rating – 6
Nathaniel Clyne – There’s not much to say about Clyne after tonight’s game, other than he was solid once again. Rating – 6
Dejan Lovren – Continued his good form against two potentially tricky forwards in Borini and Defoe. Kept both fairly quiet alongside Sakho. Rating – 7 Man of the Match
Mamadou Sakho – Edged out by Lovren for the Reds’ best player purely out of the fact that Lovren doesn’t look like there’s a mistake in everything he does at the moment. As mentioned for Lovren, the strikers he was up against tonight could’ve given the team more problems but the good work between the two centre backs ensured that was rarely ever the case. Rating – 7
Alberto Moreno – Booked for a silly foul and just didn’t seem to get it right when going forward. As long as he remains solid at the back though, that’s a platform to go from. His and Can’s work down the left ensured Adam Johnson was withdrawn after just an hour. Rating – 6
We need to get a top striker in during the January transfer window. We can’t rely on Sturridge to provide us with lots of goals due to his shocking injury record. Benteke isn’t a top goal poacher as we have seen in the last two matches where he missed two clear scoring chances with only the goalkeeper to beat. Coutinho is becoming predictable, as his main move is to run down the left, then cut inside, take a few touches , and shoot with the right foot towards goal, hopefully towards the far right of the goal post. Lallana, is just full of running, quick turns and step-overs, but no goals.
We are currenty failing to finish off opponents once we score and are leading by a single goal. Instead of putting the game beyond our opponents we waste lots of chances which gives the opposition hope that they can score an equalizer. We need a striker who contributes at least twenty goals a season, if we are to really challenge for at least top four in the EPL. If Sturridge, Ings, and the others regain their fitness and form, and they each chip in with at least ten goals per season, then we can really become title contenders.
A top goalkeeper is required as Mignolet is fumble waiting to happen. His is a very good shot stopper, but messes up on the simple basics. Lacks communication with his defenders, and does not command the goal area and cut out crosses. Each time he tries to come out and cut out a cross, l almost get a panic attack.