The Reds edged an absolutely thrilling contest at Anfield on Sunday, but not everybody enjoyed their finest moment in a Liverpool shirt. Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) rates each player on the day. Do you agree?
Liverpool 4-3 Swansea City
SIMON MIGNOLET- 6 (out of 10)
Despite letting in three goals, there was nothing he could do to keep out any of Swansea’s efforts.
He still looks shaky on the ball, however, and his communication with the defence also needs to improve. The Belgian made a good stop from Jonathan de Guzman with the score at 3-3.
JON FLANAGAN- 7
Another very solid performance from the 21-year-old, who seems to be growing in stature by the game.
He was very reliable defensively, and even showed a bit more attacking thrust than usual. Although he was part of a back four that looked susceptible, he was the Reds best defender on the day.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 5
Skrtel has had a terrific season, but this was up there with his poorest display since coming back into the side last year.
His passing from the back was very sloppy, and not only did he concede the free-kick which led to him diverting in Swansea’s second goal, he also gave away a needless penalty straight after half-time.
DANIEL AGGER- 5
There are definite question marks about Agger’s place in the side now, with the Dane producing another disappointing performance.
Too often he was bullied by the powerful Wilfried Bony, and even his invariably excellent distribution was lacking. He was substituted for Kolo Toure in the second-half.
GLEN JOHNSON- 6
The 29-year-old delivered a fairly decent performance, particularly considering it was his first game back since injury.
There seemed to be more attacking threat to his game compared to earlier on in the season, although there did still seem to be the same lackadaisical approach to certain aspects of his game about him.
STEVEN GERRARD- 6
The skipper had a relatively quiet afternoon, especially compared to his superb performances over the last month or so.
At times he looked exposed in the midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey eluding him too often, and it is the one downside to him playing where he does now. He produced a terrific pass in the lead-up to Jordan Henderson‘s winner, and hit the post late on.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 9
This was one of Henderson’s best performances in an already outstanding season, with the 23-year-old producing a talismanic display when Liverpool really needed it.
His general play was excellent throughout, but it was his two goals that made the difference. He took the first superbly, before showing great endeavour with his second to put the Reds 4-3 up. Man of the Match.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 6
The Brazilian has been a little quiet in the last three or four games, after sensational displays against Everton and Arsenal.
Too often he found himself caught in possession, while his creativity wasn’t quite as influential as it often is. Despite this, the 21-year-old always looked a potential threat with the ball at his feet.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
Another good performance from Sterling, who continues to enjoy a superb run of form.
In the first-half he was a constant threat, using his pace and trickery to great effect. His magnificent pass to set up Daniel Sturridge for Liverpool’s opener was up there with Gerrard’s against Fulham.
The 19-year-old faded as the match progressed, however, and was replaced by Joe Allen after the break.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 8
The 24-year-old is in absolutely devastating form at present, and he produced another influential display against the Swans.
He scored twice, both expertly taken as always, to bring his tally for the season to 21 goals in 23 games, and was a constant menace to Swansea’s defence. Perhaps a little greedy at times, but it’s hard to criticise Sturridge considering his current form.
LUIS SUAREZ- 6
Although the Uruguayan played an important part in two of Liverpool’s goals, there can be no doubting that he had a quiet afternoon.
At times he looked a little leggy, and with just one goal in his last seven games he seems to have lost a little bit of confidence in front of goal. That said, he always looked dangerous and produced some lovely touches and passes throughout.
Subs
JOE ALLEN (on for Sterling ’58)- 8
The Welshman played very well when he was introduced, adding bite and composure to the midfield. Some questioned Brendan Rodgers’ decision t0 replace him with Sterling, but it turned out to be an inspired choice.
KOLO TOURE (on for Agger ’63)- 6
There were bound to be some nerves from the Liverpool fans when he came on, after some poor mistakes of late, but he was solid in his half an hour or so on the pitch.
VICTOR MOSES (on for Sturridge ’79)- 6
The Nigerian had little time to make an impact.
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