Player Ratings: West ‘aaaam 1-3 Liverpool
Another solid performance and another 3-1 win for the boys, both of which came on the road. After our blimp over the last month, when for a while it seemed like we would never score again let alone win, these last two games have been very encouraging. Are we gonna win the league again this year? I don’t know, of course I hope we do, but we have definitely put ourselves back in the conversation.
Ok, so let’s get to the ratings.
Alisson (7) – Not much of a chance on the goal. A steady but unspectacular game as he wasn’t needed much today, but his presence alone as our last line of defence is as always invaluable. Distribution was good and always proved a safe outlet when called upon.
TAA (7.5) – Trent’s confidence seems to slow but surely be returning after a horrible stretch of games where it seemed like he just discovered what a football was. Defensively sound especially considering opponents tactics are clearly to attack his side and stay away from Robbo. Had a hand in all three goals.
Phillips (8.5) – An excellent game from Phillips, was strong in the air, tough in challenges and definitely gives us some steel at the back. Phillips may not be the most technically gifted player but he’s physically so much stronger than Williams that he should be starting over him on a consistent basis. Played a couple of nice long passes over the top and was an arial presence all game. Unlucky not get a head on cross that lead to the goal, which I’m pretty sure he would have cleared if not for the sublime pass/touch from Robbo. 😉
Henderson (8.5) – Another captains performance from Hendo, who organized the backline line like he’s been playing CB for years. At 1-0 he sacrificed his head to block an attempt on goal which if he had not could have lead to an equalizer and a different outcome for the game.
Robbo (7) – Made a brilliant goal saving clearance on a whipped in ball which if he didn’t get to most like would have been in. Seems to be less involved defensively of late, but that no fault of his own, as opponents just don’t want to attack down his side. Picked up an extra half point in the ratings for his sublime assist on West Ham’s goal. 😉
Gini (8.5) – Played deeper in the midfield again, like he did against Spurs. Once again was a bundle of energy, retained possession brilliantly, as he usually does, and was rewarded for all his efforts with the third goal. Let’s hope that Gini and the club can come to terms so he’s back with us again next season, as he’s a technically gifted player who is our most durable/reliable midfielder and he we would all miss that fabulous smile of his.
Thiago (7.5) – Not as influential as he was against Spurs, but man this guy is a baller. He’s silky smooth in possession and his range of passing is elite. Nice to see him play back to back games and I expect to him really take off for us as he gets his match fitness back and as our team gets healthier.
Milner (7) – Workman like effort as per usual and solid in the tackle. Picked up an extra half point for coming out of the players bench area to give Klopp a hug after the first goal and only seconds after him questioning Klopp’s decision to take him off.
Shaq (7) – Had a decent effort blocked in the first half and then played a sublime first time ball into Salah’s path for our second goal. I have liked Shaq’s game more over his last few appearances, he seems to be working harder off the ball and trying to get more involved. As the team gets healthier he’s a great option to come off the bench.
Salah (9.5) – Many who have gotten to know me over the years knows that I’m quite critical of Mo’s game a lot of the time, as he tends to frustrate the holy bejesus out of me at times. Well not today, he retained possession much better, didn’t misfire on any simple three yard passes and terrorized West Ham’s backline all day. Brilliant strike for his first goal, as the defender got suckered into allow him to cut back inside which is right in Mo’s wheelhouse. Mo’s second goal was absolutely world class, the way he took down Shaq’s pass on his weaker right foot in full stride and then in one motion just dink it with his left was a thing of beauty. For his performance Mo gets today’s MSMOTM award (MS obviously standing for Maple Syrup).
Origi (5.5) – Slow and lethargic sums up his performance again, he just lacks any urgency in his play, was poor on the press, stagnant in the box, and just doesn’t make the right runs. On the bright side he improved slightly in the second half and had a decent effort that was just wide.
SUBS:
Jones (7.5) – Instantly contributed as he picked up an assist on Mo’s first goal 30 seconds from the time he came on. Some nice footwork and interplay on the left side with Robbo.
Firmino (7) – Like Jones, Bobby also had a positive impact once he came on, got an assist on Gini’s goal.
OX (6.5) – Wasn’t on long but was involved for the Gini goal.
Klopp (8.5) – Would have scored Klopp higher but he started Origi, who IMHO is out of his depth at this point. I much rather have seen Mini start as he brings more energy to the team. In saying that Klopp’s adjustments at halftime and subs were very good today. Brilliant moment with Milner after the first goal shows the unity he has not just with Milly but with the entire team.
Brighton midweek, and we can’t take our foot off the pedal, three points is a must and then the huge showdown with Shiteh on Sunday.
YNWA
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