So for the second time in the space of four days, Liverpool throw away a lead in the late stages of the match. Does the blame lie with a simple lack of defensive quality, a lack of leadership or a lack of tactical nous from the man on the sidelines?
The simple fact of the matter is that most other sides in the top six are able to see out a 1-0 there. They may not all have the quality and flair that we do but the mentality is certainly a leveller and serious questions need to be asked if this team is to achieve anything other than Champions League qualification.
Difficult to rate the players today as their goal is a complete and utter fluke and I don’t want to deviate too much from the scores I would have given if it ends 1-0 – here’s my attempt:
SIMON MIGNOLET – 5
Can’t do anything about the goal, don’t care what anybody says. Didn’t have an awful lot to do apart from that. Never instils confidence into the back four though, shown by a clear lack of confidence and trust between them throughout the match. Just isn’t really good enough to be the first choice.
JOE GOMEZ – 7
Allowed little past him and used the ball reasonably well, I thought. We look much better defensively when he is in the side.
JOEL MATIP – 7
Fine.
RAGNAR KLAVAN – 7
Fine too. In fact, does really well on a couple of occasions. Panicked near the end like everybody.
ALBERTO MORENO – 8
Put in a really good performance after a disaster in mid-week. Scares the life out of you when he goes flying in but generally speaking, he makes the tackles. Some important tactical fouls taken too.
JORDAN HENDERSON – 6
Don’t think he was as bad as some have suggested today. Questions need to be asked about his role as captain though as there seems to exist a clear lack of mental strength in this team.
JAMES MILNER – 5
Not sure, to be honest. Wasn’t great in possession and didn’t do enough else.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO – 7
Looked to be positive but it was difficult with Chelsea’s defensive shape. Forces the goal from his usual driving at the back line. Tried to make things happen which is better than playing it safe and having a 100% passing accuracy.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN – 5
Not involved enough. Looked bright when he did get it though and a lovely touch to assist Salah’s goal.
DANIEL STURRIDGE – 7
Hold-up play excellent. Scared the life out of them – unlucky not to score when Azpilicueta makes a superb block on what looked a certain goal.
MOHAMED SALAH – 9
What a player. This man has absolutely everything. Uses his backside to tremendous effect in order to create space for himself. When we signed him I had a suspicion that he was a one-trick-pony and a pace merchant but he possesses so much more. Another goal today to keep him the top scorer in the Premier League and 15 in all competitions this season.
SUBSTITUTES:
GINI WIJNALDUM:
Surprised he didn’t start. Looked fine when he came on.
ADAM LALLANA: Some good moments on his return. Footwork lovely as ever and showed us what we’ve missed with his pressing. I’d start him on Wednesday if he’s ready.
SADIO MANÉ: Should have been introduced much earlier.
