Liverpool survived a gruelling 95 minutes against Leicester City to claim all three points at the King Power Stadium.
Goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino put the Reds ahead before a mistake from new goalkeeper Alisson gifted Leicester one back through Rachid Ghezzal.
In what was comfortably Liverpool’s poorest performance of the season so far, Claude Puel’s men put the Reds under serious pressure in the second half with a relentless pressing game normally exhibited by a Jurgen Klopp side. Liverpool were increasingly sloppy and nervous throughout, constantly allowing the Foxes back into the game after failing to take several chances of their own in front of Kasper Schmeichel.
However, Klopp’s men came away with the win and remain at the top of the Premier League going’s ng into the first international break of the season.
Here’s how I rated the Reds:
Alisson – 5
The Brazilian dazzled fans with a delicate flick over a Brighton attacker in the previous game, but his decision to attempt a trick inside his own box today was erroneous, allowing Leicester to half the deficit. Klopp will be furious about that. Apart from that, the keeper was solid enough and seemed to quickly learn from his mistake.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
Got forward well as usual but struggled with Leicester’s attacks down his side. Subbed by Klopp late on.
Joe Gomez – 8
Another very good performance from Joe. Looked assured in his passing and made a crucial block to deny Leicester a possible goal. Was better than VVD today at times.
Virgil van Djik – 6
An out-of-sorts performance from the big Dutch centre-back today. He was nervy on the ball at times and his poor pass ultimately led to the Leicester goal. Made a great clearing header in injury time, however.
Andy Robertson – 6
Started well and assisted Mane’s goal with some industrious attacking play but faded as the game wore on.
Jordan Henderson – 6
An unspectacular performance from the captain today. Didn’t do anything notably bad and kept things ticking over with his long-range passing game. Subbed off for Naby Keita.
James Milner – 7
Typified Liverpool today. Started strongly and steadily worsened as the game went on, but still put in a solid shift and assisted Firmino’s goal with a good corner. Work horse.
Gini Wijnaldum – 5
Poor game from Gini today. Gave the ball away a few times and didn’t do enough going forward or backwards. Klopp may need to rethink his midfield for the next game.
Mo Salah – 5
Not Salah’s best game. Had very little impact on the match, especially after half-time. Looked ripping to be taken off by Klopp.
Sadio Mane – 8
Mane continued his fine run of form this season with a sharp finish early on. Generally played well throughout. Liverpool’s best player so far.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Has been struggling in front of goal but finally got one today with a powerful header after losing his man in the box. Leicester seemed to target him in particular throughout the match, nullifying his efforts somewhat. Still, he worked hard from start to finish.
Subs:
Xherdan Shaqiri – 7
Naby Keita – 7
Joel Matip – n/a
