It wasn’t easy and it certainly at times wasn’t pretty, but Liverpool managed to hold on in the end to secure all three points against West Bromwich Albion.
With Manchester City winning and Manchester United on the heels of those Champions League places, it was vital the Reds got the win to put pressure on the clubs around them – no matter how they did it.
The first half was, well, boring to put it bluntly. Neither team looked like scoring, passes were going astray and both goalkeepers weren’t being tested enough. But Jurgen Klopp’s men, on the brink of half time, got the decisive goal through a set-piece (ironically) put in by Roberto Firmino.
The second half saw the Reds get into the game more and create some very good chances to make it 2-0 but they couldn’t capitalise. The home side had one great chance to put it level, but Simon Mignolet was having none of it with another superb save following from last week.
Despite everything, especially the nervy last four minutes of the game, Liverpool pulled through to reclaim their third place position in the table.
Here are my player ratings from the match:
Simon Mignolet - 8
Commanding, solid at the back and produced the game-winning save yet again this week. Those saves could be pivotal to whether Liverpool get Champions League football or not.
Nathaniel Clyne - 7
Much better from last week, his attacking play has improved over the last couple of games and today he showed that once again.
Joel Matip - 7
Calm on the ball and didn’t have much trouble for most of the game. He was at fault for their chance late on but overall he was solid.
Dejan Lovren - 7
Looked calm and in control the entire game. He looks so much better next to Matip and that’s another game where both have started and yet to lose.
James Milner - 6
A steady game for Milner. Could have killed the game with the goal wide open but sent the ball over the bar.
Lucas Leiva - 7
In the mix of it all really. Winning tackles, protecting that backline well and played, at times, like another centre back. His flick on for the first goal was inspired and he’s quietly racking up these assists recently.
Emre Can - 8
Another dominant performance from Emre Can, since talk of his contract was out he’s only proved everyone wrong. He was winning the ball back like it was nothing and helping start off attacks. A good outing for him.
Georginio Wijnaldum - 7
Strong on the ball and used the space around him efficiently, really what you expect from him. Also he won a take on against Ben Foster on the half way line, which was boss!
Phillipe Coutinho - 6
Tried to instill life into the game but it wasn’t coming off for him. His movement and passing was good but couldn’t change the game early on.
Divock Origi - 6
Hold up lay was good but his service was limited the majority of the game.
Roberto Firmino - 9
Brilliant performance from the Brazilian. Another game-winning goal to add to his repertoire and he was involved in every move. His 11 goals now to beat his tally from last season shows he is definitely improving under Jurgen Klopp.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – N/A: I don’t even think he touched the ball if I’m honest.
Alberto Moreno – N/A: Had one thing to do and threw away the chance to put the game to bed.