Liverpool came out 1-0 winners over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Lazar Markovic got the only goal of the game. Liam Bridcutt was sent off for the home side due to two yellow cards. Liverpool were brilliant and Sunderland only caused them one or two problems in the whole game. Liverpool should have scored three or four to make the victory more convincing and comfortable.
GK – Simon Mignolet: The Belgian ‘keeper has come under a lot of criticism in recent weeks, but today there was signs of his confidence beginning to return. His handling, which is usually poor, was nothing short of brilliant today and even when he couldn’t catch the ball from set-pieces, he produced some excellent punches to clear the ball. He didn’t have too much to do all game, though. 8/10.
CB – Emre Can: Can was fantastic at centre-back, before moving into a more advanced position in the second-half due to an injury to Steven Gerrard. Can looked composed on the ball as he always seems to be and his passing was superb. Some of the runs he makes from deep positions and the amount of ground he covers during them is incredible. Rarely do players get close to him when he’s on one of those rampaging runs. 8.5/10.
CB – Martin Skrtel: The Slovakian had a solid game at the middle of the back three. He won the majority of his headers when called upon. But, in truth, he wasn’t troubled throughout the game. 7/10.
CB – Mamadou Sakho: Sakho had a relatively busy game as there was a bit coming down his side. Sakho was sublime and his fantastic run of form seemed to continue. His passing, yet again, was quality. His defending was solid, too. A very solid performance from the French international. 8.5/10.
RWB – Lazar Markovic: This was without doubt Markovic’s best performance in a Liverpool shirt to date. The Serbian international was magnificent. He scored a good goal with great determination to get on the end of the loose ball. He spanked the crossbar with a mouth-watering attempt. Also, early on in the game, the 20 year-old was denied a clear penalty. His direct style of play was causing the Black Cats all sorts of problems. My man of the match. 9.5/10.
CM – Jordan Henderson: Henderson was good, nothing special, though. The former Sunderland midfielder had the armband in the second-half following Gerrard’s injury. A taste of the future, perhaps. His energy, as always, is useful in the middle of the field. Solid. 7/10.
CM – Lucas Leiva: Lucas, who has been linked with a move away from the Reds in recent days, was terrific. A very solid performance from the midfielder. The stuff he did perhaps isn’t too noticeable. I thought his heading was brilliant in midfield and his anticipation for loose balls and second balls was tremendous. 8.5/10.
LWB – Alberto Moreno: Moreno didn’t get involved too much to my memory. Although, he defended well and won some crucial free-kicks towards the end of the game to waste some valuable time. Not bad, but not great. 6.5/10.
AM – Philippe Coutinho: Coutinho was sublime, again. The Brazilian is on a terrific run of form at the moment. Everything that Liverpool does, goes through him, it seems. He runs the play and the tempo. Very good on the ball, his dribbling yet again, fantastic. 8.5/10.
AM – Steven Gerrard: Gerrard only played the first-half due to picking up a minor injury. Gerrard was good when he was on and had a big hand in the goal. He looked dangerous when he was on the pitch. 7/10.
ST – Fabio Borini: Borini wasn’t particularly good. The Italian was the surprise starter in the side today. His movement and energy was good when called upon. However, his end product seems very poor. He should’ve had a goal when he rounded the ‘keeper and missed the open net, albeit from a slightly tight angle. 6.5/10.
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[statsfc-player-rater key=”n3hIsXGmdJ6AnSMKzUo6i09cnqzZIPNpYYb7QNmF” team=”Liverpool” date=”2015-01-10″]
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