Player ratings: Liverpool 2 – 0 Man United (Jan 20/20)

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Whoever comes our way, we just keep knocking them down. A game that was more nervous than it should have been perhaps but I think we’d all have taken 2-0 before kickoff. Anyway, let’s see how the lads got on against our old nemesis.

Alisson (9) – This guy is impressing me more by the week these days. The effortless way that he catches shots that are fizzed at him and moving in the air, really is expert. We all know how good he is with the ball at his feet and his excellent vision was once more demonstrated when bagged himself an assist by putting Salah through for our second goal. Comfortably the worlds best goalkeeper at the moment.

TAA (7) – Helped himself to yet another assist with a quality delivery from a corner but a bit of a quieter all round game from Trent, as he wasn’t as involved in the build up as he often is. I do feel his defending is improving, however as long as he keeps assisting at the rate he is, the odd defensive lapse can be forgiven. He assists nearly a goal a game these days. Incredible for a fullback.

Gomez (7) – As big a fan of Joel Matip as I am, I can see why Klopp’s preferred pairing when everyone is fit, tends to be Gomez and Van Dijk. Joe’s recovery pace really adds another dimension to our game as it allows us to push even higher up the pitch. Made a couple of timely interceptions and is improving all the time bringing the ball out from that back. Plays with a composure well beyond his years for a CB as well. Solid performance.

Van Dijk (9.5) – I’m running out of superlatives for this guy. We often say he looks like a man against boys but he genuinely was ahead of his goal, with poor Brandon Williams tasked with trying to block his run… Yea good luck with that Brandon. Virgil powered home what would eventually be the winner but it is in our own box he really comes into his own. Every single cross into our box seemed to be met effortlessly by Virgil, as if he was a magnet to the ball. The reality is though, it’s all about intelligent reading of the game and positioning. Truly excels at all aspects of the game and has no weaknesses. If Virgil and the team can keep this up for another few years, he could be talked about in the same breath as the likes of Maldini and Baresi once he retires. He really is that good and to that end is this week’s McMOTM 😉

Robertson (7) – Gareth Southgate was at the game yesterday and if there was any doubt in his mind between Trent and Wan Bissaka for the euros, then I’d imagine Robbo has done his teammate a massive favour as he absolutely destroyed Wan Bissaka for almost the entire 90 minutes. The poor United right back didn’t know what to do as Robbo controlled him both offensively and defensively. When Mane got involved too, they were tormenting him and he looked like his head was spinning for parts of the second half.
Apart from nailing down Trent’s place in the England team for him, Robbo was solid defensively, heavily involved in the buildup and should have had an assist after putting one on a plate for Salah, only for the Egyptian to spurn the opportunity. Trent’s pulling away in the assist race though.

Henderson (8) – Brilliant display from the Skipper as he covered every blade of grass as usual and was desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after forcing De Gea into a fingertip save that saw Hendo’s effort come crashing back off the post. Hendo’s been in the form of his life for the last twelve months and the biggest compliment I can give him is that not only have we not missed Fabinho, we’ve arguably improved in his absence.

Wijnaldum (8) – I thought both Gini and Hendo were brilliant in our midfield yesterday and both had a shout for MOTM. Gini was fantastic, the perfect blend of physicality and technical skill. Was showing his usual tenacity as players simply can’t get the ball off him but he was also showing off the tricks and even pulling off nutmegs. Had the ball in the net with a tidy finish, only for it to be ruled marginally offside. I expect Gini to be the next to see his contract renewed.

Ox (6) – Willing runner and I was quite impressed with his physicality in midfield yesterday but didn’t influence the game enough from an attacking point of view and was given something of a showing up by the brilliance of Hendo and Gini beside him. Still working his way back to fitness however and an hour at that intensity will have done him good before being subbed.

Salah (6) – Was on his way to a big fat 5 before salvaging some respectability by scoring with his last kick of the game. Fair play to him, he does it so often it’s no fluke but my god, up until that point he’d absolutely stunk the place out. First touch like a trampoline, misplaced pass after misplaced pass, he’s a one man possession-losing machine! Missed an absolute sitter as well when Robbo set him up for a tap in only for him to get the ball caught under his feet. For all his brilliance, badly needs to improve on the basics of the game. Probably the most frustrating player I’ve ever watched but proved once again why Klopp always leaves him on as he got his goal.

Firmino (7) – Solid display from Bobby as his movement and positioning pulled United all over the place for periods, as we threatened to run riot. Scored with a fantastic finish and was desperately unlucky to see it chalked off by VAR but more on that later. Looked to tire as the game wore on though, which was understandable given the shift he’d put in and was replaced with ten minutes to go.

Mane (7) – Along with Robbo, Mane gave Wan Bissaka nightmares down our left side but was sloppy with the chances he had, one in particular where it seemed all he had to do was step onto it and hit it but for some reason he tried to take a touch and the chance was lost. Should have done better when one on one with De Gea as well but was forced to hit it with his weaker foot. Decent performance from him though, just sloppy finishing which somewhat summed up the team.

Subs:

Lallana (6) – Pretty much picked up where Ox left off. Ran around and pressed well but struggled to influence proceedings.

Fabinho (N/A) – Great to see him back fit.

Origi (N/A) – Oh why not, great to see you too Origi.

Klopp-watch (10) – Klopp keeps racking up the 10’s but it’s difficult to criticise. Man United – a team we always seem to struggle against, were run ragged and we should have been out of sight by halftime, if not for some sloppy finishing and VAR. Nothing Jurgen can do about that however and he’s got this team performing at a level of consistency never before seen in one of Europe’s top leagues. What a guy.

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Summary:

A more nervy than it should have been ‘job done’ then. If the second goal had stood, I think we’d have run riot. On that, I personally didn’t think Van Dijk fouled De Gea but had the referee blown for a foul, I’d have understood why and probably just grumbled something about goalkeepers receiving too much protection. My problem with it though, is that the referee didn’t blow for it. To that end it comes under whether it’s a clear and obvious error by the ref for VAR to get involved and I don’t see how it possibly can be. Some people think it was a foul, some don’t so that in itself makes it subjective. As soon as it’s subjective, it can’t be clear and obvious and to that end, VAR shouldn’t have got involved and the goal should have stood. If it had, I think United would have fallen apart.

The game demonstrated the gulf in class between the two sides though and if the performance and result wasn’t enough to convince you, we’re now a whopping 30 points clear of United! With a game in hand!

Anyway Wolves next and whilst a more than decent team, the Wolves players have recently been showing signs of a long season starting to catch up so I think intensity is key to beating them at this stage of the season but I’m sure Jurgen will have a plan.

Anyway troops, another step closer to that title and ‘We’re gonna win the league” echoing around Anfield at the final whistle showed that even the most pessimistic of fans can’t help but believe now. Let’s go break all the records. Walk on.