Liverpool Player Ratings vs Tottenham: Wijnaldum, Firmino star in narrow win for Reds

Roberto Firmino was on the scoresheet while Georginio Wijnaldum impressed as Liverpool beat rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday night.

Liverpool stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they defeated Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur side 1-0 on Saturday.

There was good tempo to the start of the game with both the teams creating chances. However, it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock, with Roberto Firmino scoring with a neat finish in the 37th minute. Both teams had quite a number of chances from thereon, but some good goalkeeping and lackadaisical finishing meant the game ended 1-0 in Liverpool’s favour.

Here’s how we rated the performances of the Liverpool stars on the night.

Alisson Becker: 7/10

The Brazilian international wasn’t really tested by Tottenham in the first period. The hosts did get a couple of shots on target after the half-time break, but Alisson was up to the task, securing a clean sheet.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10

Always a key outlet on the right flank with his forward forays, but Alexander-Arnold did not make the level of impact Liverpool have grown accustomed to from him. Had his work cut out at the back against the dangerous Lucas Moura, but stuck to his task and defended well for most parts.

Joe Gomez: 5/10

Not as solid as he has been in recent weeks. Gomez was booked halfway through the first half after a rash challenge on Son Heung-min after losing a foot race to the South Korean chasing a loose ball. Another sloppy moment gifted Dele Alli a chance, but his defensive partner Virgil van Dijk came to the rescue.

Virgil van Dijk: 7/10

Rock solid as usual, as the Dutchman held things together at the back for Liverpool. His tackle on Alli in the second half was crucial in protecting his team’s lead. Will have been disappointed not to have scored when presented with a great chance in the first half though.

Andrew Robertson: 6/10

Was given space to run into by Serge Aurier, but Robertson’s delivery wasn’t as dangerous as it can be while he gave away possession uncharacteristically at times. Still, showed good energy to bomb forward and provide an option on the overlap whenever a chance presented.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6/10

Starting his first Premier League game in over a month, the Englishman showed a few signs of rust on the night. Did hit the woodwork early on, but failed to offer much control in the middle, losing possession carelessly at times. Subbed off at the hour mark.

Jordan Henderson: 6/10

Gave away possession leading to opportunities on a couple of occasions in the first period, but recovered well from thereon, playing a role in the move for Firmino’s goal. Seemed to get leggy towards the end of the game though, failing to keep up with the pace of some of the Tottenham stars.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 8/10

Back into the starting XI, the Netherlands international was easily Liverpool’s best player on the night. Used his physicality well to protect the ball and used it very smartly. Covered ground well in what was an industrious display and kept a lid on Christian Eriksen for long periods.

Almost undid all his good work on the night when he lost the ball to Harry Winks leading to a great chance for Son to score, but the Spurs star missed it. Apart from that one blip, it was a solid and composed display from Wijnaldum.

Mohamed Salah: 7/10

A lively presence on the field, Salah gave Davinson Sanchez a hard time on the night with his pace and sharp movement. Set up the only goal of the game and came close to scoring himself after a fine solo run.

Roberto Firmino: 8/10

The Brazilian had an early chance blocked off, but did manage to breach the Tottenham defence later on, showing a great touch before putting the ball into the net with a fine finish. Linked up well with his teammates, but could have done better with an opportunity after the break; though.

Sadio Mane: 7/10

Was closely marked by Tottenham debutant Japhet Tanganga which curtailed his effectiveness in the final third to some extent. Showed great willingness to track back and put in the hard yards defensively though, while he drew a good save from Paulo Gazzaniga with a headed effort in the second half.

Substitutes

Adam Lallana: 6.5/10

Replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain around the hour mark. Offered good energy and industry, helping out defensively to protect his team’s slender lead.

Divock Origi: N/A

Came on for Mane for the final ten minutes. Looked bright in the short time he was on the pitch, forcing a save from the Tottenham goalkeeper.

Xherdan Shaqiri: N/A

Back from injury, the Switzerland attacker got a few minutes in late on.