The Frenchman was in solid form against Sunderland
GK/Defence
Simon Mignolet – It may seem harsh to give Mignolet such a poor rating but he commanded his box so little and was so stricken for both West Ham goals that he may as well have not been there. For all his shot-stopping talents he, like many of his team mates, is just not up to the required level. Rating – 5
Nathaniel Clyne – Frustrating at both ends today. Outjumped by Antonio for the first goal, outmatched by Carroll for the second and was poor with his final ball in the opposition half. Nathaniel will want to forget anything that happened in those 90 minutes very quickly indeed. Rating – 5
Dejan Lovren – Lovren was the better of a bad bunch for the Reds at the back today, he did all the simple things well but can’t defend everything himself. It’s hard to pick a MotM on a day like this, but he just takes it based on the fact he wasn’t quite as awful as the rest of his team mates. Rating – 6 Man of the Match
Mamadou Sakho – Sakho’s form is becoming an increasing concern. For too long he has escaped serious criticism based on a misguided idea that he is a quality defender just finding form. The fact is, he has struggled against fast, pacy forward in recent weeks and struggled against the likes of Andy Carroll today. He has to improve fast, or he (along with the rest of the centre backs at Anfield at present) will find themselves being replaced either in January or the summer. Rating – 5.5
Alberto Moreno – Bizarrely substituted after probably being the most dangerous Reds player for an hour. Brad Smith did a decent job after coming on but surely pushing Moreno further forward for the poor Coutinho would have been a better decision? Either way, had a solid game and provided 90% of the trouble we gave West Ham before he went off. Rating – 6
how does Benteke get 3? 0 or -3 would be more like it, biggest waste of money ever!
Absolutely disappointing performance. Achieving greater possession stats doesn’t win matches, taking your chances and scoring is what wins matches. We are really pathetic against any side that plays a physical game and employs high and/or long balls.
Lack of quality in the side is making the likes of Coutinho feel like they are untouchables. He can put in a half hearted shift and knows he won’t be dropped in the next game as there is no quality on the bench to replace him and do better. This is the same attitude we got from Sterling last season, but at least there were a few other options on the bench like Markovic, and Ibe to replace him with. Coutinho and Sterling used to fight for a place in the starting line up, or to come on as substitutes in the 2013/2014, when Suarez and Sturridge were dominating upfront, and the midfield mainly comprised of Gerrard, Henderson, and Lucas/Allen. At some point, before falling out with Brendan Rodgers, Suso was another young player Coutinho and Sterling competed with for places.
I hope Klopp has now seen enough of this disjointed play to change his mind about bringing in new players in this transfer window. If he doesn’t and persists with wanting to give the current dead wood a chance to prove themselves, then we will be lucky if we finish the season in the top half of the table