Liverpool breezed past Exeter City in the FA Cup third round at the second time of asking, and although they didn’t get the all-important second goal until the 75th minute, the result was never really in doubt.
Perhaps the most significant moment of the 90 minutes was the introduction of Jon Flanagan, who hadn’t featured for 619 days until now.
There were good performances all over the pitch, and some stated a claim for a starting berth at Norwich City on Saturday.
Player ratings ahead.
Simon Mignolet - 5
Didn’t do anything wrong. Fortunately no crosses were aimed in his direction so he wasn’t sufficiently tested by the Grecians.
Connor Randall - 6
Awesome burst of pace at the start of the second half! Looked pissed off when he made way for Flanno which was good to see.
Tiagi Ilori - 6
Had very little to do in the first half but was in the right place to cut out a couple of attacks in the second.
Jose Enrique - 5
Who cares? This may well be his last game for the Reds.
Brad Smith - 7
The lad looks pretty boss. Be good to see him given a go against a better side to see if he plays just as well. Gets his head up when he’s in promising positions rather than just lashing it across goal as Alberto Moreno tends to.
Kevin Stewart - 6
Neat and tidy first half; began to slow up as the game wore on. Will probably be moved on given the fact that he’s 22-years-old and not coming close to knocking on the door of the Reds’ best 18.
Cameron Brannagan - 6
Forces a smart save in the 25th minute and goes close again shortly after. Nice touch through to Christian Benteke for one of his many second half chances, too.
Joe Allen - 7
Don’t let the bloke leave. In fact, start him at Norwich.
Jordon Ibe - 8
Best player on the pitch. Looked too easy for him at times. No idea how he hasn’t scored.
Joao Teixeira - 8
Delighted to see him get his first Liverpool goal, and his all-round play warranted it. He’s like a Coutinho-lite without the outrageous shots from 80 yards out.
Christian Benteke - 5
Just another one of those nights for the Belgian. Makes the wrong runs and misses sitters. But he’s good for the first goal and Messi-esque for the third.
Jon Flanagan - 6
Rarely have I been so happy to see a player make his comeback to the side. Looking forward to seeing whether he can displace either of the first-choice full-backs.
Sheyi Ojo - 7
What a finish it was. Sort of thing we used to see Daniel Sturridge do every week. Would be alright if Ojo can be half as good as him, wouldn’t it?
Pedro Chirivella - N/A
Plays the right ball for Benteke at the end but the former Aston Villa man contrived to mess it up.