Liverpool are no longer fighting on all fronts, as a heartbreaking decider in West Ham United’s favour halted the Reds’ FA Cup campaign at the fourth round stage.
Jurgen Klopp – back in the dugout having had his appendix removed – saw his side outperform the Hammers for large portions of the game, but they were made to rue missed chances when a superb Angelo Ogbonna header in stoppage time of extra-time decided the tie.
Several youngsters impressed for the Reds, as they have done in previous rounds, and there were returns to the side for the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi. But the overriding emotion will be that of disappointment as Liverpool crash out.
Simon Mignolet - 5
Can’t do much about either goal, but he can stop coming out and flapping at balls that he’s got no business going for. Good save from Dimitri Payet’s first-half free-kick.
Jon Flanagan - 6
Could perhaps do more to try and stop the cross for the first goal, but was reasonably solid for the most part.
Tiago Ilori - 6
Just as Steven Caulker was at Anfield, the Portuguese was fortunate not to give away a penalty. Defended astutely besides that.
Lucas Leiva - 8
Seriously, when do Liverpool consider playing him at left centre-back ahead of Mamadou Sakho? Daft (albeit slightly harsh) foul for the eventual winner.
Brad Smith - 7
He’s got everything going forward that Alberto Moreno hasn’t – vision, guile, and the ability to pick out a team mate.
Kevin Stewart - 8
Terrific again. Nonchalantly shrugged Payet off the ball on more than one occasion. Can’t be far off an appearance or two in the league.
Pedro Chirivella - 7
Can’t fault the lad. Thrust into a difficult encounter for his first Liverpool start but he maintained his composure and always showed for the ball.
Joao Teixeira - 5
Never really got going creatively, and was withdrawn early in the second period of normal time. Misses a big chance just before the half-hour mark.
Jordon Ibe - 5
Still not happening for him. Silly back heel in his own half in the 90th minute almost proved costly.
Philippe Coutinho - 7
Gorgeous through ball to Smith for a first-half chance, and an even better free-kick to show Reds fans what they’ve been missing.
Christian Benteke - 7
This will split opinion, but I thought Benteke played well. The missed one-on-one will make headlines, but his movement – particularly in the first half – and his hold-up play were much better.
SUB: Daniel Sturridge - 6
Important minutes for Liverpool’s best player, who came close with a long-range left-footed strike, and almost danced through the entire Hammers defence deep into extra-time.
SUB: Divock Origi - 5
Didn’t get into it as much as he’d have liked. Wasn’t operating on the shoulder of the last man, which is where he’s at his most threatening.
SUB: James Milner - 5
Some decent set-piece deliveries, but unable to make much of a difference otherwise.