The Reds earned a memorable 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, with a first league title since 1990 now a genuine possibility. Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) rates each Liverpool players on an unforgettable day.
Man United 0-3 Liverpool
Premier League, March 16th 2014
SIMON MIGNOLET- 7
The 26-year-old was solid throughout, and was rarely tested on a surprisingly quiet afternoon for him.
When he was called upon he made a decent save to deny Wayne Rooney late in the first-half, with the score at 1-0.
GLEN JOHNSON- 7
Johnson has returned from injury in far better form than he was earlier in the season, and produced another composed display here.
He was always a threat going forward, and managed to stifle the potentially dangerous Juan Mata with relative ease.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 8
The Slovakian was superb from start to finish, as he continues his excellent season.
His reading of the game, leadership and ability on the ball were terrific, and he kept Robin van Persie incredibly quiet. One of Skrtel’s best displays of the campaign.
DANIEL AGGER- 8
The 29-year-old looked back to his best, following some slightly iffy performances in recent times.
His partnership with Skrtel was superb, and it was hard to pick many holes in any aspect of the Dane’s play.
JON FLANAGAN- 8
The youngster was absolutely brilliant, as his reputation continues to soar. He was given the job of marking the dangerous Adnan Januzaj, but won the duel hands down.
Whether it was his reliable defensive work or attacking bursts, Flanagan was magnificent in helping his boyhood club beat their bitter rivals.
STEVEN GERRARD- 9 (Man of the Match)
Gerrard produced yet another virtuoso performance, as he continues his stunning run of form since his return to full fitness.
The Reds skipper ran the show from midfield, never losing the ball, getting stuck in and oozing class. The 33-year-old dispatched two crucial penalties, with the only glitch in an otherwise perfect display coming when he missed the third.
JOE ALLEN- 8
The Welshman was excellent, and played a vital role in Liverpool bossing the midfield battle. His distribution and calmness in possession were understated but very effective, and he never once shirked a tackle.
A very pleasing performance from the 24-year-old, who won the pivotal second penalty straight after the interval.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 8
Henderson has become such an important member of the Liverpool side, and the United midfield were no match for his constant pressing and box-to-box style.
His passing wasn’t always at its best, but he more than made up for it with the rest of his play.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
Sterling was utilised in a central role, and produced an assured display that belied his tender years.
The 19-year-old’s pace and trickery were a constant threat, although his influence did wane as the game progressed. He was substituted for Philippe Coutinho after 72 minutes.
LUIS SUAREZ- 7
It’s amazing to think that Liverpool won 3-0 despite Suarez having a relatively poor game. Poor by his incredibly high standards, anyway.
He scored the Reds’ third goal to put the game to bed, but his decision-making in threatening areas was often disappointing.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 7
Like his SAS partner, Sturridge was not at his best but still caused David Moyes’ side plenty of trouble.
The 24-year-old was guilty of being a little greedy at times, while his link-up play with Suarez was not at its sharpest. He won the third penalty, however, and should have earned his side another were it not for spineless refereeing from Mark Clattenburg.
Subs
PHILIPPE COUTINHO (on for Sterling ’72)- 7
The Brazilian came on for Sterling, and added fresh legs and attacking quality to the side.
LUCAS (on for Gerrard ’87)- 6
No time to make an impact on proceedings.
IAGO ASPAS (on for Sturridge ’92)- 6
No time to make an impact on proceedings.
Who was your Liverpool Man of the Match? Where do you agree/disagree with the ratings?
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