Liverpool secured their first win of the Premier League season today, seeing off Crystal Palace in a 1-0 win.
It wasn’t Liverpool’s most dominating attacking display, however it was still enough to get the job done. On the day, the better of the two sides won.
Jurgen Klopp made several changes to his starting line-up, and seemingly has one eye on Wednesday’s crunch tie against Hoffenheim.
Take a look at our player ratings from today’s important win!
Simon Mignolet: 6
The Belgian had very little to do, however, he did what he had to do reasonably well.
Joe Gomez: 7
At right back, he put in a solid defensive display, won aerial duels, and dealt well with Townsend and Van Aanholt, keeping them quiet. Surprisingly composed on the ball. Impressive performance by the youngster.
Joel Matip: 7.5
Very impressive performance, and it’s a shame we don’t have two Matip’s in the defence. Simply man-marked Benteke out of the game. Only criticism is that he should have scored early on in the first half with a header at the back post. We will forgive him. Solid display.
Ragnar Klavan: 6
Didn’t do much too wrong, however he had a few dodgy moments. Risky on the ball at the back, and missed a header in the last minute of injury time that nearly allowed Palace in. Overall solid.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5 (MOTM)
Arguably the most impressive out of all the defenders. Provided an attacking threat throughout, and was solid defensively. He had one lapse of concentration at the back, however has a fantastic left foot and showed us as fans what he brings to the table. Dangerous deliveries all afternoon. Great addition.
Jordan Henderson: 4.5
The skipper again didn’t have a very effective performance, and seemed to keep on trying Gerrard-like passes all across the field. It didn’t work for us. He worked hard, but lack of imagination in middle of the park did him no favours. Need more from the skipper.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5
Similarly to Henderson, he was rather ineffective. Tried a few runs forward and looked comfortable on the ball, however the ball always seems to end up coming back or possession is lost. Needs to be more confident to push forward and effect the game in the final third, rather than playing safe.
James Milner: 6.5
Solid display by the versatile Milner today. He was the only midfielder who seemed comfortable to go and offer an option to the defence to receive the ball, and lay it off to the wingers to set us on the attack. Good performance, but it’d be nice to see a little more creativity.
Roberto Firmino: 5.5
A different role for the Brazilian today starting on the left, and it’s evident he’s more effective in that number nine role. Loftus-Cheek seemed to mark him out the game. Later on in the game he switched to the centre of midfield, and it was not his best performance.
Sadio Mane: 7.5
Scored the winning goal, and was often found being the man we looked to when attempting to create something. Today wasn’t his best performance, however he was clinical with the chance that fell to him.
Daniel Sturridge: 4
Did get a good pre-season under his belt, however was dampened by injury. It’s evident he needs minutes. He showed little glimpses of quick feet, however pace didn’t seem to be there, and he didn’t seem sure on what to do on the ball. Overall a poor display, however I’m sure the teammates’ performances around him didn’t help.
Dominic Solanke (Sub): 7
Made an appearance late on in the game, and had an urgency to him, closing everything down. He got his reward by pressing the Palace defence, which led to Liverpool’s goal. Had a chance to get that dream debut Anfield goal, but unfortunately Hennessey denied him with a good save. Excited to see him again.
Mohamed Salah (Sub): 7
Offered that threat coming in from the right and we also saw him through the middle. Instantly, his pace was a threat, and he was unlucky not to score. Impressive again.
Dejan Lovren: N/A
Didn’t have enough time on the pitch to judge his performance.
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