Liverpool defeated Stoke City 3-0 at the Best365 Stadium on Wednesday night, following goals from Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah.
The Reds started the better of the two teams, scoring early in the first half, before being pegged back by an attacking onslaught from Stoke. Mané contrived to hit the post when sent through one-on-one, and Liverpool went into halftime 1-0 up.
The second half continued much as the first had ended, although many of Stoke’s opportunities came from fouls given away just outside the Liverpool penalty area. Mohamed Salah emerged from the dugout in the 66th minute and scored two goals of immense quality to give the Reds a comprehensive 3-0 victory away from home.
Here’s how I rated the Reds in the game:
Simon Mignolet – 6
The Belgian should have been sent off for a spectacularly reckless challenge on Mame Biram Diouf towards the end of the first half, but escaped with a yellow card. Only had one real save to make in injury time, but punched well all evening.
Joe Gomez – 7
The best of the back four. Gomez provided the ball that eventually led to Mané’s opening goal and was full of energy, covering ground up and down the right flank whilst also keeping his winger fairly quiet.
Joel Matip – 6
Played some good long balls out of the back and weathered the storm of Stoke’s attacks in the first half. Both centre backs were bailed out by poor finishing from the opposition strikers.
Dejan Lovren – 6
Actually looked more assured than his partner, which was surprising.
Albert Moreno – 6
Moreno started the first half effectively, tackling well and providing support for Mané with over and under lapping runs. Became exposed when Stoke changed their system and attempted to isolate him with Shaqiri. Played well following the restart, but still left a little too much space in behind.
Emre Can – 7
The best of the midfield three, Çan was industrious in attack and defence. He provided the long ball up field that led to Salah’s second goal of the night. His grit and determination gave a welcome bite to a midfield that has been far too passive in recent weeks.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6
Played some neat passes and made some driving runs on the outside, but was unable to really affect the game. Withdrawn in the 66th minute for James Milner after receiving a yellow card and having a scuffle with Bruno Martins-Indi.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
Received a yellow card for a late challenge on Erik Pieters midway through the second half. Stung the fingers of Lee Grant with a whipped freekick in the 88th minute. Played well throughout and almost ended his goal drought away from home!
Sadio Mane – 8
Scored a chipped goal early in the first half following a lovely first touch off the pass from Dominic Solanke. Hit the post when played through on goal at the end of the first half when he really should have scored. Provided a sumptuous cross for Mo Salah’s incredible volley to extend the lead to 2-0. Withdrawn in the 89th minute for Jordan Henderson.
Dominic Solanke – 7
Solanke’s first half was one of ups and downs. He provided the assist for the Sadio Mané’s opening goal, missed a sitter, and played a superb pass that led to Mané hitting the post. Withdrawn in the 66th minute for Mohamed Salah after failing to make an impact in the second half.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Had trouble getting anything substantial started, but did leave Mané’s chip as it dribbled over the line, and provided the lay-off for Solanke’s terrific, would-be assist for Mané’s chance as time ran down for the first half. Spent the second half harrying the Stoke defenders. Didn’t score, but his work is always appreciated.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah – 9
What a player! Scored with a well-struck volley across the face of goal to give the Reds some breathing room and finished the game off a poor back-pass from Erik Pieters. All in a 20 minute cameo. What a player!
James Milner – 7
Brought some composure to a fatiguing Liverpool midfield. Calmed everything down and helped provide the impetus for the team to regroup and get the second and third goals of the match.
Jordan Henderson – N/A
Was not on the field long enough to do anything of note.
