Liverpool as a whole handed in a professional display against Norwich. They attacked fluently and avoided defensive calamity.
But they didn’t come away with three points. At home. To a newly promoted side. Simply not good enough.
Brendan Rodgers must be having a laugh now: he continues to pick the players tailor made for a 4-4-2 diamond. He instills the fans with hope with the team sheet, then sends the players out in suspect alignments. He’s doing himself no favours with the supporters calling for his job.
Player ratings ahead. Don’t be shy in telling me how many times I was wrong.
Simon Mignolet, 6: Accountable for the Norwich goal, his punch needed to be better. But no one was on the goal line to pick him up. Great save a few minutes later on Jarvis.
Nathaniel Clyne, 6: Clyne didn’t have all that much to do. Got forward well and won a few free-kicks.
Emre Can, 7: A very good game for the German in defence. Runs forward were purposeful and distribution was highly useful.
Martin Skrtel, 6: Solid game from Skrtel. Didn’t hear his name much and you heard Cameron Jerome’s name even less.
Mamadou Sakho, 6: Looked assured for the most part on his return to the side.
Alberto Moreno, 8 (MoM): This is the kind of display is what swayed Liverpool to invest in the Spaniard. Lovely assist on Ings’ goal. Nullified the dangerous Nathan Redmond. Moreno was equally impressive in attack as in defence which is usually not the case.
Lucas Leiva, 7 (OFF 72′): Lucas’ pressing led to chances for Liverpool and he sprung Sturridge through in the first half with an uncharacteristic forward through ball.
James Milner, 5: First definitive off day since Milner signed from City this summer.
Philippe Coutinho, 5: All fluff, no end product for Coutinho today. Had good moments but failed to put anything meaningful together. Shocking attempt on the break towards the end of the match that could’ve won the points.
Daniel Sturridge, 6 (OFF 63′): A long-awaited return to the side for Sturridge as Liverpool’s no.15 got a little over an hour on the pitch as he returns to match fitness and sharpness. Rust was prevalent, but that’ll be scraped off as more minutes are gained. Moderately successful return.
Christian Benteke, 6 (OFF 45′): The service provided to Benteke was worse than the service satellite TV provides in inclement weather. Removed early for a “tight hamstring”.
SUBS:
Danny Ings, 7 (ON 45′): Off the bench, into the back of the net. Ings first touch on his run to goal was silk, bringing the ball down with his chest before firing home for his first Liverpool goal. Tireless work rate, it seemed good things would happen when he was involved.
Adam Lallana, 6 (ON 63′): Decent half hour from Lallana.
Roberto Firmino, 6 (ON 72′): Firmino didn’t do anything to influence proceedings upon his arrival.
