Player ratings: Liverpool 4-0 Crystal Palace
After what felt like a training match against Everton on Sunday we were truly back with a bang tonight, with one of our best performances of the season. Let’s see how the lads got on…
Alisson (7) – How do I score Alisson for tonight? He could have watched the game at home on Sky and been just as involved. So yea… his short passing out when recycling play was worth a 7. Not much else to do.
TAA (8) – After a frustrating night against Everton, tonight this kid reminded us why he’s so special. It was mentioned by Carra during the game that the free kick was Beckham-esque and while it may be sacrilege to compare him to a United legend, the body shape and strike tonight was comparable. Brilliant free kick and this kid is becoming a leader in this team. Amazing what he’s achieved for one so young.
Gomez (7) – It’ll be a while before Joe has another night as easy as this. Dealt comfortably with whatever Palace threw at him, which wasn’t much. Couple of nice passes but cruised through this game.
Van Dijk (7.5) – Like Gomez and Alisson, cruised through this game but scored an extra point for winning the free kick for Trent’s opener. Don’t get me wrong, the Palace player jumped into his back and it was technically a foul but we all know if that had been in our box, he’d have bounced off Virgil and he wouldn’t have even noticed. Sprayed some lovely passes from deep as well and played as a midfielder for most of the game.
Robertson (7) – The difference Robbo makes to the balance of this team is palpable and the understanding he and Mane have is special. I have no doubt in my mind, wherever either player’s career may take them, when they retire, they’ll both confirm that this was THE partnership of their careers.
In the first few minutes, Robbo shrugged off Townsend to charge forward and that set the tone for the night. Their attacking players not getting a sniff. Great to see him back.
Fabinho (10) – Ok lets get this straight. I don’t give out 10’s lightly. They’re normally reserved for hat tricks and the likes but this was a flawless performance from Fabinho. Beautiful assist for Salah’s goal and that strike… Gerrard would have been proud of that one. The other side of his 10 though, is coming from his primary role in the team. The reason Alisson and the defence had such an easy night, was because Fabinho basically destroyed any Palace attack before it was an attack. Injury properly behind him, this was the Fabinho we had grown to love. Best in the world in his position. Comfortably this week’s McMOTM
Hendo (7) – Unlucky with a good strike that hit the post but for the most part, served as the leader of our ‘functional’ midfield, that just squeezed the life out of Palace. Will be more than satisfied with tonight’s team performance.
Wijnaldum (6) – One of the worst displays of shooting you’ll ever see, as he badly spurned a number of decent chances. What can’t be denied however is the balance he brings to our midfield and he pressed and recycled possession well throughout. Capable of a lot more however, as can be an all too familiar story with Gini.
Salah (8) – Lost half a point for not putting it on a plate for Minamino in the latter stages but otherwise a superb performance from Salah. Much like Robbo, the balance of the team is completely different when Salah is playing. Took his goal with consummate ease and a superb assist for Mane. Brilliant performance.
Firmino (6) – Once again, Bobby struggled to really influence things. A few nice flicks in the opening stages but struck a weak effort in his only good opening on goal. Hasn’t scored a Premier League goal at Anfield since March 2019. Considering what a dominant team he plays in, that really needs to improve.
Mane (7.5) – A threat throughout, showed his strength early on and didn’t give the Palace players any time on the ball on his side of the pitch. Took his goal like an accomplished CF. Brilliant player.
Subs:
Ox (6) – Difficult to score the subs as they didn’t have much time but minutes in the legs. Looking forward to a fit and firing Ox with a full preseason under his belt next season.
Williams (6.5) – Scored an extra half point for some nice footwork where he created a chance for himself. This kid wants to attack all the time and looks to be an exciting prospect for us. Good luck dislodging Trent though.
Minamino (6) – Should have had his first goal if Salah had just played a simple pass across goal. Looks to be growing in confidence though and will hopefully start pushing Bobby soon.
Keita (6) – Ran around. After tonight’s performance though, nobody is scoring less than a 6.
Elliot (6.5) – As involved as any of our subs and tried an audacious flick in the latter stages that almost paid off, displaying his confidence. It was a nice touch from the team to tell him to take the corners but safe to say, they need some work.
Klopp-watch (10) – How can you score your manager anything else when you win 4-0 and your opposition doesn’t have a single touch in your box? This was counter pressing at it’s finest and Jurgen pulls the strings. He was beaming with pride after the game and no wonder. What a performance from his team.
Summary:
Let’s make no mistake, this wasn’t even a contest. I still think our 4-0 win over Leicester was our best performance of the season, given the quality of opposition but this was right up there. For the opposition not to have a touch in our box is something special.
Two points to go then troops until we lift the title.
I leave you with this conundrum however. Would you rather Chelsea take points off City so they have to give us a guard of honour or would you rather win the league at their gaff and make them watch us celebrate the win on their pitch? 🤔
I’ll leave you to mull it over. Walk on.
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