The captain struggled through the game and was later withdrawn
Midfield
Emre Can – Can was again improved this evening, after a run of games where he’d looked very poor. Did much more work in his own half, showing great physicality and strength in the tackle, whilst he made some great forward runs. One in particular late in the second half should’ve seen Liverpool wrap up the points but for the profligacy of his team mates. Rating – 6.5
Jordan Henderson – The Reds captain didn’t look right throughout the first half and was only given 15 minutes in the second half. Hopefully it isn’t too serious, but the fact that he hobbled down the tunnel wasn’t promising. Rating – 5.5
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.