Liverpool traveled to Old Trafford and lost 3-1 to Manchester United in a match in which Brendan Rodgers thoroughly missed Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, and Daniel Sturridge. Christian Benteke’s spectacular goal is the only moment Liverpool fans can grip their hands on.
I watched the game at my house with two friends: one United fan, one Arsenal fan. As the host, I perpetually felt bad for the neutral for such a piss poor, drab first 45. Continually apologizing, asking if I could get him anything to enhance his viewing experience in my humble abode.
Rodgers set his side like a small club: sit back and defend and hope to catch United on a counter or a set piece with their big target man centre-forward. When Ibe and Origi came on, the performance was lifted. But it was much too late at that stage.
Player ratings ahead. Don’t be shy in telling me how many times I was wrong.
Simon Mignolet, 6: The Belgian’s distribution horrors nearly returned on the night. Couldn’t do anything about any of the goals, though.
Nathanial Clyne, 6: Clyne played alright at Old Trafford. Defended Memphis and Young well enough, though his foul led to the first goal.
Martin Skrtel, 5: Embarrassed by Martial for United’s third goal.
Dejan Lovren, 5: Played decently, certainly a step up from his West Ham performance. Though not playing at all would’ve been a huge step up compared to that.
Joe Gomez, 5: Gomez struggled in possession and in defense. Rash challenge on Ander Herrera for the penalty that the Spaniard drilled home, leaving Gomez on the hook.
Lucas Leiva, 6 (OFF 88′): Did his best to limit space for Herrera and sweep up ahead of the back line.
James Milner, 6: If nothing else, his work rate always merits his spot on the field. Showed mettle and testicular fortitude.
Emre Can, 5: The Emre Can that Liverpool fans have been waiting for in 2015 still hasn’t arrived. Another sub-par performance for the German.
Roberto Firmino, 5 (OFF 65′): Yet again, not good enough from Firmino. He isn’t settling in well at all. He had a big foot in Liverpool’s two best chances: one of which he had an awful touch inside the six then swung and missed and the other was an intercepted attempt to give Benteke a tap in.
Danny Ings, 6 (OFF 74′): It’s not Ings’ fault that the striker was playing an outside midfield role whose main job was to defend. Because that was the only team’s main job, to defend.
Christian Benteke, 7: Not only did he not have service all match, he hardly had anyone in white around him. His audacious and superb overhead kick is the only reason to smile today.
SUBS
Jordon Ibe, 6 (ON 65′): Showed pace and purpose in his cameo. Two things Liverpool lacked prior to his inclusion.
Divock Origi, 6 (ON 74′): Showed promise on his Liverpool debut. Will look to build on this.
Alberto Moreno, N/A (ON 88′): Not enough time to do anything.
