Liverpool’s 18 match unbeaten run came to an end to the Premier League’s bottom side as they lost 1-0 to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
The Reds went 1-0 down just before half-time in familiar fashion. Virgil van Dijk’s header from a Swansea corner took a kind bounce for the home side and Alfie Mawson was able to convert it.
Liverpool were poor but still created a few very good chances but their usual deadly finishing deserted them when they needed it most.
Just a week after beating the best side in the league, Liverpool lost to the worst.
Here’s my ratings for the Liverpool players:
Loris Karius – N/A
Had no chance with the goal. Had nothing else to do.
Joe Gomez – 4
His use of the ball was poor in the first half as he needlessly gave possession away with poor passes. Had a few wild strikes at goal when he probably had better options open to him.
Joel Matip – 6
Did most of his best work when stepping out and joining the attack. His forward passing was pretty good too.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Nearly opened the scoring with a header that went inches wide. Won a lot of defensive headers and almost set a goal up with a lovely chipped ball to Mo Salah and another to Roberto Firmino.
Andy Robertson – 5
Defended solidly enough when needed. Got forward with regularity but nothing really came from his attacks, although some of his crosses were good but not attacked well enough.
Emre Can – 4
Captained the side but didn’t have his best game. Those who aren’t a fan of his will point to this game. Wasteful.
Gini Wijnaldum – 4
Offered very little in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch. Another away performance where he did little to impress.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 4
Taken off after 67 minutes. In truth, it’s had to remember him doing anything of note. Pretty anonymous.
Mo Salah – 4
Had a great chance to put Liverpool ahead but he blasted his volley over the bar when he should have hit the target. His decision-making at times was poor and was epitomised by a wild shot in injury time when he should have crossed the ball.
Sadio Mane – 4
Could have scored from a counter attack in the first half but just couldn’t get good enough contact on Salah’s cross. Didn’t really offer too much else.
Roberto Firmino – 4
Worked hard but didn’t really get any clear chances until stoppage time. Missed a sitter of a header with almost the last chance as he hit the post.
Sub – Adam Lallana – 5
Tried to create a spark but didn’t really succeed. Still not sure how he missed from a yard out at the end.
Sub – Danny Ings – 5
A good first touch got him a chance in the 77th minute but his finish was a bit tame. Worked hard but got little to show for it.
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