Player ratings: Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Another game and another win then. This win was significant however as it was a club record equalling 63rd game unbeaten at Anfield, although it wasn’t pretty. With the frequency of the games this season however, it’s all about the result. Let’s see how the lads got on.
Alisson (6) – Should have done better for their goal in my opinion. The ball seemed to go in at his near post in slow motion and I suspect he’ll be a bit annoyed to have conceded that one. Not a lot to do apart from that but played the sweeper role well as always and dominant in his box.
TAA (6) – After a brilliant display midweek, he started brightly here although got a bit quieter as the game went on. I’ve noticed him drive inside the last couple of games, dribbling past players which may be something he’s worked on. Signs of him getting up to speed though, after a slow start to the season.
Phillips (8) – I was a bit concerned about Nat starting in the Premier league but he put in a really dominant display. As Klopp said in his post match interview, he’s not particularly easy on the eye but apart from a few nervy moments at the start of the match, he kept it simple and importantly, was dominant in the air which we really need in Virgil’s absence. A fine display on his Premier League debut and enough to see him claim this week’s McMOTM.
Gomez (5.5) – It was his CB partner I was a bit nervous about but it was Gomez with the shockingly poor defensive header that led to West Ham’s goal. Didn’t let it affect him however and was fairly assured for the rest of the match but needs to cut the errors out his game. There’s been too many this season.
Robertson (6.5) – Probably his two best moments of the match came in defence with a brilliant tackle in his own box first half and a potentially goal saving block second half. Not as involved in attack as he usually is but a fullback has two jobs to do on the pitch. Showed his usual industry as well.
Henderson (6.5) – Played a more disciplined role at the base of midfield, probably conscious it was Phillips debut and with Jones in the team as well, Hendo assumed the role of organiser and defensive shield. Like Robbo, delivered his usual graft and industry, passing not quite what it’s been in recent weeks however.
Jones (6) – What I’ve always admired about Jones to date is his confidence and courage on the ball but the last couple of games he’s played, he’s looked like a kid coming into the first team. Keeping everything simple, not taking any risks, which is fine but we know that’s not his natural game. Needs to rediscover his swagger.
Wijnaldum (7) – Our best midfielder on the day, Gini was showcasing his skills and close control as he left his West Ham counterparts for dead on a number of occasions with a nice turn or bit of skill. I wish this Gini turned up every week, as when he turns it on he’s a joy to watch.
Salah (7) – Won and converted the penalty for the equaliser. It has proven controversial in some quarters, due to Salah’s (over) reaction and he did react like he’d stood in a bear trap, however he is clearly kicked and the penalty was the right decision. I said on the thread, probably the correct decision would have been a penalty but a booking for simulation as well. That incident aside, he was lively and caused problems throughout. Uses his upper body strength so well to roll his defender. We’ve not had an attacker with that ability since Suarez left.
Firmino (5) – Invisible. Again. It’s really difficult to figure out what’s wrong with Bobby. Before lockdown I wondered if he was a bit burnt out but you’d think three months in lockdown would have cured that. I also wondered if it was lack of competition for his place but that’s been addressed as well. He looks a player who’s confidence is totally shot to bits, he just isn’t attempting the things he used to at the moment, be that audacious flicks and tricks, dribbling or efforts at goal. Even his pressing isn’t what it was. It might do him a favour to take him out the spotlight for a couple of weeks.
Mane (6.5) – Another really quiet first half from Sadio but came alive second half. I’m still not sure what the foul was given for in the build up to the disallowed goal. My first thought was dangerous play for lunging in at the goalkeeper but apparently it was given for a foul on Ogbonna. To me, looked another perfectly good goal chalked off by VAR.
Subs:
Jota (7.5) – Had a case for McMOTM despite only getting the last 20 minutes, as he put the ball in the back of the net twice in that time. Looked really lively and can’t stop scoring, it’s becoming more and more difficult to justify starting Firmino ahead of him.
Shaqiri (7) – Played a glorious reverse pass against Midtjylland midweek and there was another here as he played the most gorgeous pass, through the defenders legs and perfectly weighted for Jota to run onto and score the winner. This is the Shaq we all hoped we were getting and against teams that park the bus, he could still be a real weapon for us this season.
Milner (N/A) – Ran around.
Klopp-watch (8) – His subs changed the game which is always satisfying for a manager and his faith in youth was once again repaid by Nat Phillips. What a mentality he’s instilled in this team as well, to keep finding a way week after week.
Summary
John52 made a good point on the match thread about our lacklustre displays in the first half of games and it’s something I’ve noticed for some time now as well. John suggested this is by design and there may be something in that, however I worry the team have become too reliant on Klopp telling them what to do at halftime. Whatever the reason, I think it needs addressed. Our slow ponderous play allows our opponents to gain confidence and invites pressure. Recently, that has led to us conceding early goals as well. We’re the best team in the land, we should be bending teams to our will from the first whistle, not having to chase the game after going behind every week. It also seems teams just need to create one chance to score against us, invariably through individual errors, so we need to tighten that up as well.
As I said in my opening paragraph however, this season, even more than most, it’s just about getting the result, especially with our current injury crisis. The performances will come together at times but Champions win ugly and we’ve become masters of it.
No let up then, as we travel to Atalanta on Tuesday night for our latest Champions League match. This is a potential banana skin as Atalanta are a free scoring side and another poor start could see them score 2-3 goals, much like we used to do to teams earlier in Klopp’s tenure. If we win however, you would think progress to the next round will be all but assured and allow us more rotation for the rest of the group games.
Another three points then and that’s all that really matters. It wasn’t pretty but I’ll take the same again next week. Walk on troops!
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