First-half goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino fired Liverpool to an away win against a defiant Leicester City side.
Liverpool maintained their 100% record in the new season, edging past Leicester City 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds were off the blocks quickly with Sadio Mane opening the scoring just ten minutes into the game, after some brilliant work by Andrew Robertson on the left-side. With half-time looming, Jurgen Klopp’s men doubled their lead when Roberto Firmino headed in a James Milner corner.
Leicester were allowed a way back into the game when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was made to pay for an attempt to play out from the back in a dangerous area, with Rachid Ghezzal making it 2-1 in the 63rd minute.
The Foxes searched for an equalizer but, Liverpool held on to their lead in what was a tense final half-hour to come away with all three points and hold on to their top spot in the Premier League standings.
A tough afternoon but another three points for the Reds. #LEILIV pic.twitter.com/1NopiXfmPK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2018
Here’s how the Reds’ stars fared on the day at the King Power Stadium;
Alisson Becker: 4/10
The Brazilian started the game on a strong note, making a solid stop to keep Demarai Gray out in the first period while showing good command in his area. Distribution was pretty solid too.
Was at fault for Leicester’s goal though, as he was robbed off the ball near the byline by Kelechi Iheanacho while attempting to play out, when he could have easily cleared. Needs to pick his moments to show off his skills.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6/10
The young Englishman made a few early inroads forward but was largely restricted to defending as the Foxes stepped it up, especially after the break. Was a bit carefree in possession at times and was targeted by the home team. Subbed off late on.
Joe Gomez: 8/10
The England international continued his impressive start to the campaign, putting in another commanding display in the heart of the defence. Subdued the threat offered by the pacey Demarai Gray with relative ease and was the Reds’ most alert defender. Bailed out his partner with a brilliant tackle on James Maddison in the second-half.
Virgil van Dijk: 5.5/10
A rare, off day from the towering Dutchman. Was dominant in air, winning the most aerial duels in the match (5). His passes from the back didn’t always find the intended targets, while he often looked a little laid back, which invited pressure on his team. A mistake almost allowed Maddison in, before his poor back pass to Alisson led to the goal. Booked.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10
Powerful run, brushing aside Ricardo Pereira on the way, to set Sadio Mane up with an equally brilliant cut-back to set Sadio Mane up for the opening goal. Saw his influence reduce in the final third post the break, with Leicester turning it on, but stayed solid at the back.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5.5/10
Moved into a slightly advanced role from the No.6 position that he had started the past three games, the Netherlands international failed to have the same impact that he did previously. Touch wasn’t always assured, passing a bit iffy. Not lacking for effort and work-rate, but failed to impose himself on the game.
Jordan Henderson: 5/10
The club captain was handed his first start of the new season, at the expense of new signing Naby Keita. Was kept occupied and overran in the midfield at times by the Foxes. Struggled to control the proceedings like he usually does. Clearly lacked the sharpness and it wasn’t a suprise to see him taken off soon after the Reds conceded.
James Milner: 6.5/10
The veteran Englishman made his 100th appearance for Liverpool on Saturday. Got the assist for Firmino’s goal with a well-delivered corner. Worked extremely hard against a resilient Leicester midfield, went into challenges strongly and was on the end of a few strong ones himself. A combative display.
Mohamed Salah: 5.5/10
Last season’s Golden Boot winner and last week’s match winner for Liverpool, the Egyptian missed a glorious chance to open the scoring in the first period, dragging a shot wide. Played Firmino in with a nice pass, before testing the Foxes’ keeper once before half-time. An indifferent display, not at his usual level. Taken off with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Roberto Firmino: 6.5/10
Will be delighted to have opened his account for the season as he doubled Liverpool’s lead with a powerful header on the verge of half time. No lack of effort and industry, but still seems to be not at his sharpest though.
Sadio Mane: 7/10
Continued his good run of form against the Foxes, opening the scoring with a clinical finish just ten minutes into the game. Offered a good outlet and troubled the Leicester defenders with his pace often. Went about diligently with his defensive duties.
Substitutes
Naby Keita: 6/10
Replaced Henderson for the last twenty minutes. Offered his usual running and energy.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 6/10
Thrown in for Salah in the 71st minute. Made a few positive runs forward.
Joel Matip: N/A
Came on for Alexander-Arnold in the dying moments.
