I hate cliché’s… but that really was a game of two halves. In the first period, Liverpool were flaccid and uninspiring and couldn’t carve out any clear-cut chances except a penalty they had gifted to them.
In the second, a slice of luck for the first goal opened up the game perfectly for the Reds who ruthlessly finished off a fairly hopeless Huddersfield outfit. A professional job done in the end and overall, a good afternoon’s work.
Here’s how I rated the players:
SIMON MIGNOLET – 6
Must have been nice for him to have a quiet afternoon following the Spurs nightmare. Distribution was fine. Could’ve sat and read a book – he looks like the type of guy who enjoys a good non-fiction.
JOE GOMEZ – 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively and retained possession really well. Expected Trent to play this one but perhaps Klopp wanted a bit more defensive stability today with Maribor looming.
RAGNAR KLAVAN – 6
Not easy to be called to start a match at the last-minute but he was composed and professional. To be fair, Huddersfield didn’t attack but he dealt with the long balls up to Depoitre well.
JOEL MATIP – 6
Pretty much the same as Klavan. Doesn’t score anywhere near enough goals for us though, given he’s 6’5 and gets his head to the ball an awful lot from corners. The one at the end is an absolute sitter and not his first in a red shirt. Fine defensively though and his ability to carry the ball into midfield is actually quite important for us in games like that as it gives the opposition something else to think about and helps drag them out of shape.
ALBERTO MORENO – 7
Thought both fullbacks were good today. His recovery speed is outstanding and means he can regularly supplement the attack knowing he has the pace to get back in if the ball is lost.
JORDAN HENDERSON – 6
Didn’t think the captain had his best day but he kept things ticking and played a world-class ball in the lead up to Firmino’s goal.
GINI WIJNALDUM – 8
Don’t really like to see him playing in games like this because Henderson is there to do the metronomic stuff and I’d prefer a creative attacking player in there. That said, I thought he played really well today and nearly took the net into Goodison with his strike. 7 for the overall showing and an extra point for the goal.
JAMES MILNER – 6.5
Can probably feel a bit aggrieved to have been hoofed off penalties just because of one miss. Perhaps they want a regular taker who plays every week. Can’t be bothered with the whole changing after a miss thing though – work out who the best penalty taker is who plays every week and stick with him. Oh aye, Milner – tremendous corner for Firmino’s goal and the usual graft. Had a good game.
MO SALAH – 6
Haven’t seen the penalty back but it didn’t look great. Wasn’t really able to use his pace much given how deep Huddersfield sat but was a threat throughout.
DANIEL STURRIDGE – 7
In the side for his goals and scores the goal. Can’t ask for any more. Hopefully the first of many.
ROBERTO FIRMINO – 7
Did the false nine stuff well as per. Good to see him score a poacher’s goal too.
SUBSTITUTES:
ALEX OXLADE CHAMBERLAIN:
Came on and, once again, played well. Can beat a man and whip a cross in which we haven’t really seen much of under Klopp but it’s an extra dimension. Judge him on what you actually see from him as a Liverpool player, not what these dreadful ‘banter pages’ are saying on social media.
EMRE CAN:
Used his strength well on one occasion. I think. I’m not sure.
DOMINIC SOLANKE:
I like this lad a lot. Could have taken a shot with his left when he was slipped through and tried to cut inside but showed good signs as always.
