Liverpool grabbed a much-needed win as the Reds beat Leicester City by a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to a brilliant performance from Philippe Coutinho.
Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side went into the game knowing the importance of getting a win under their belt, especially after the 2-0 humiliation in the identical fixture earlier during the midweek in the Carabao Cup. The Reds stuttered a bit but found their way, but finally managed to register a win.
Coutinho was particularly impressive in the narrow win while there were other good performances from the Liverpool players as well. We at The Hard Tackle take a closer look at how each Liverpool player fared individually.
Simon Mignolet – 7
The Liverpool custodian had a mixed game but a good one overall. Mignolet had his moments – both good and bad. And the good moments slightly overpowered the poor ones. The Belgian did concede a penalty, a decision that has been called as dubious by many. But, he redeemed himself by stopping Jamie Vardy’s attempt from the same.
Joe Gomez – 7
The youngster did not let Nathaniel Clyne’s absence show on Saturday. Gomez was dispossessed just once and was commanding at the back. The 20-year-old defended his territory well, aerially and otherwise, with 3 aerial duels won and 3 tackles as well. All in all, a good performance despite letting in 2 goals.
Joel Matip – 6.5
Matip was decent on the night but was often found out defensively as Leicester tested Mignolet several times. The Cameroon international nevertheless did not commit any mistakes in the game and was dominant when it came to aerial duels. A decent outing for the centre-back.
Dejan Lovren – 5.5
Lovren has never been taken too well by the Liverpool fans. His inconsistency was on show again on Saturday and it almost cost Liverpool the points. The Croat was at fault several times and even though he was unlucky to be booked, he was a liability at the back. Needs to improve.
Alberto Moreno – 7
Moreno put in a good shift on the left side of the defence – an area which is now highly competitive, with the likes of Andrew Robertson and James Milner also vying for a place. But, the Spaniard was good at the back and going forward. A choice that panned out well for Jurgen Klopp.
Emre Can – 7
Emre Can was his usual self in the middle of the park. A livewire, the player hit the post and lent himself well to the pressing system.
Jordan Henderson – 8.5
The star for Liverpool on the night. Everything seemed to flow through the Englishman on Saturday and Leicester were just unable to minimise his influence in the middle of the park. A goal to cap off his performance in the midfield, fans would be happy to see Henderson coming back to his best.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5
A quiet but effective workhorse in the middle of the park. Wijnaldum was silent but solid throughout. However, he wasn’t as impactful as his midfield partners.
Mohamed Salah – 7.5
While Coutinho was the one stepping in Mane’s place, it seems Salah has taken the mantle upon himself to actually provide Liverpool with the same effect that Mane has on the pitch. Good on the ball and without it, Salah scored the crucial opening goal and in general, looked a threat to the Foxes. Job well done.
Roberto Firmino – 6
Roberto Firmino needs to find some form. An uncharacteristically silent performance on the night which ultimately ended with him being substituted for Daniel Sturridge in the 64th minute, which clearly shows Jurgen Klopp thought he needed a change up front. Not good enough.
Philippe Coutinho – 9
While Henderson was the star, Coutinho stole the limelight from his captain. The Brazilian had been criticised a lot for not showing up so far after his return to the lineup and Liverpool fans worldwide would be glad he finally did. A goal and an assist to boot, but his performance was much more than that.
The ball was his friend on Saturday as he completed the most dribbles on the pitch and was in general, a terror for the opposition throughout the match. The freekick, though, was worthy of applause.
Daniel Sturridge – 7
Came on in the 64th minute and was involved from the moment he stepped on to the pitch. Completed 3 dribbles – second only to Coutinho – in just less than half an hour on the pitch and assisted Jordan Henderson for a goal that ultimately turned out to be the difference between the two sides.
James Milner – N/A
Came on in the midfield and was decent.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – N/A
It seems he has to wait for Klopp to see him as a central midfielder. Was brought on to replace Coutinho out wide on the left and did not do much to have an impact on the game.
