Player ratings: Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool
Back to winning ways against bottom of the table Sheffield United then, in what ultimately turned out to be a fairly comfortable evening’s work which I’m sure delighted all involved with the club. Let’s see how the lads got on.
Adrian (7) – I must admit, my heart is in my mouth every time the ball goes near Adrian but I did him a disservice last night as he put in a solid display. Couple of decent stops first half, his punching was good from crosses and kept it simple with his distribution.
Trent (8) – Trent’s improved form continues as he was an attacking threat all night down our right but did superbly well to keep the ball in play in the build up to the opener. He’s passing and crossing with purpose again, after going through a period where his lethal deliveries seemed to have deserted him. Keep it up Trent!
Phillips (7) – Phillips has grown on me a lot on the back of his recent displays. He’s not what you would call a cultured centre back and that lack of technical ability will probably prevent him having a long LFC career however he’s solid, dominant in the air and keeps it simple and in a lot of games, that’s all we need. With Fabinho’s return imminent, Nat would be my first choice to partner him out of the options available. Personally I wouldn’t be against keeping Nat as a fourth choice option but he probably wouldn’t be satisfied with that at this stage of his career.
Kabak (6) – With every passing game, I find this signing more puzzling. At best, he’s a long term project and I mean at best. Showed a real lack of awareness of his surroundings last night and almost paid the price, although redeemed himself with a couple of good recovery tackles. Will have been a very relieved man to see his calamitous own goal chalked off for offside. I’m far from convinced by Kabak and he certainly wasn’t the signing we needed in January when we were screaming out for some experience and a steady pair of hands.
Robertson (7) – Robbo’s caught between roles at the moment I feel. He touched on it in an interview the other day, saying he’s currently the most vocal of the back four and he’s trying to take on more responsibility in that department but in doing so, it’s slightly hampering his attacking game. Saying that, he could’ve got on the scoresheet twice, although even I must admit Robbo’s not exactly a natural finisher. Should’ve had an assist but slightly overhit the cross to Salah.
Thiago (6) – Fairly quiet game. Neat and tidy in possession as you’d expect and I saw him coaching Jones in the game at certain points but no real standout moments in the match. Managed to avoid getting booked so that’s a step in the right direction. Subbed second half.
Wijnaldum (7) – Was in the game in fits and starts although had our best effort on goal first half, forcing Ramsdale into a good save and Bobby really should have buried the rebound.
Jones (9) – The young scouser’s stock continues to rise with another very promising display from the kid. Took his goal brilliantly, composed himself, picked his spot and made sure he made no mistakes. Had a hand in the second as well as it was his quick one-two with Firmino that allowed the Brazilian to advance and ultimately score. Young Curtis is comfortably this week’s McMOTM.
Salah (6) – Buzzed about the Sheffield defence and got in a couple of decent positions, only to find Ramsdale in good form. Should have squared the ball to Mane on one occasion and guilty of holding onto the ball and taking too many touches at times.
Firmino (7) – A real mixed bag from Bobby. Two chances first half where he simply had to score, the first when clean through on goal with plenty time and the other the aforementioned rebound from Gini’s strike. Tried to cut it back for Mane but for me, he just had to smash it with his left foot. Very frustrating at that point but then true to his nature, he starts doing Bobby stuff that isn’t always immediately noticeable. Curtis goal for example, at first viewing I thought Trent’s cross found Curtis but it was actually a deft little backwards flick from Bobby that controlled the ball for Curtis and he then showed some lovely footwork in the build up to our second. Unlucky for it to have been deemed an own goal.
Mane (6) – Frequently found himself in a central role last night, especially first half but his struggles in front of goal continue. Our front three look jaded, especially Mane. He just isn’t his usual explosive, tenacious self and hasn’t been for a number of weeks. Jota’s return will allow some rotation and hopefully a bit of rest will allow Mane to finish the season strongly and push us into the top four.
Subs:
Milner (6) – Glad to see him back from injury.
Keita (6) – Let’s see how many weeks 10 minutes game time keeps him out for.
Kloppwatch (7) – It’s pretty difficult to score the manager at the moment, due to the team more or less picking itself because of all the injuries. It will be interesting to see what he does with Kabak and Phillips with Fabinho returning. I expect Fab will go back into defence so I’m intrigued to see who partners him. At the very least, Kabak looks like he could do with some time spent with him on the training pitch so my vote would be Phillips and Fab for the Chelsea game.
Summary
Top four is once again in sight then and it makes Thursday’s game against Chelsea massive. Beat them and we move above them, lose and they open up a four point gap.
Jamie Redknapp said the other day that it would be a surprise if we made top four. I wouldn’t go that far Jamie. Chelsea are inconsistent at best and I don’t see West Ham maintaining the pace, they’ll definitely drop a few more points this season and in theory, we should start to get stronger now. Fabinho, Milner, Jota and Keita are all available once more and Jota and Keita provide a real injection of attacking quality into a jaded looking squad.
In my opinion, the race for top four is still very much on but it has to start with beating Chelsea on Thursday night. Walk on!
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