LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2014: Liverpool take on Chelsea, with all 11 players inside their own penalty area, during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea: Player Ratings

The Reds’ title hopes suffered a severe blow against Jose Mourinho’s side, after a 2-0 defeat at Anfield. Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) assesses each Liverpool player on the day.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2014: Liverpool take on Chelsea, with all 11 players inside their own penalty area, during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

SIMON MIGNOLET- 7 (out of 10)

The Belgian was one of Liverpool’s best players on the day, producing a number of good saves. In a losing cause, he came out with his head held high, despite the odd slightly iffy punch.

GLEN JOHNSON- 5

The 29-year-old was completely outperformed by his direct opponent Ashley Cole all afternoon. His decision-making in key areas was often poor, while defensively he looked shaky against the pace of Andre Schurrle.

MARTIN SKRTEL- 6

The Slovakian was given a tough afternoon by Demba Ba, but kept going despite not having his finest performance of the season.

MAMADOU SAKHO- 6

The 24-year-old was, like Skrtel, troubled by Ba throughout, and he made a few poor choices on the ball at times. Largely solid, however.

JON FLANAGAN- 6

Was sharp in the tackle and solid as always, but struggled to offer much threat going forward. The 21-year-old was far from spectacular, but he can’t be blamed too much for Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge.

STEVEN GERRARD- 5

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard looks dejected at the final whistle as Chelsea's ultra defensive play leads to a 2-0 victory during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

A miserable afternoon for the skipper, whose loss of the ball and slip allowed Ba to open scoring. The 33-year-old tried desperately to make amends, having several efforts on goal, but it wasn’t to be, showing his frustrations with numerous attempted shots which failed to really test Schwarzer.

LUCAS- 5

The Brazilian looked off the pace, and any speed he may have had seems to have completely deserted him since picking up a number of serious injuries. He lacks the creativity to be effective in a more attacking midfield role, and was disappointing all game.

JOE ALLEN- 6

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2014: Liverpool's Joe Allen in action against Chelsea during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Welshman may not be everyone’s favourite, but he kept persisting from start to finish, and never shirked responsibility on the ball. Like many Reds players he struggled to break down Chelsea‘s superb defence, but put a decent shift in.

PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 5

The 21-year-old can blow hot and cold at times, and he saved one of his most frustrating performances for Liverpool’s biggest game of the season. His passing was off, often trying to find the killer ball, and Chelsea‘s combative midfield kept him relatively quiet.

RAHEEM STERLING- 7

Liverpool’s best player yet again. The Reds’ youngest player on the pitch was always a threat, showing incredible pace and and great trickery. His final ball may not always have been the best, but he was easily the most dangerous player on the pitch.

LUIS SUAREZ- 5

There can be no doubting that Suarez’s form has dipped of late, for his incredibly high standards, and he was off the pace again in a match where Liverpool really needed their star man firing. Lost the ball on numerous occasions, and was often stifled by several Chelsea players in and around him.

Subs

DANIEL STURRIDGE (on for Lucas 58)- 5

The 24-year-old was ineffective and clearly not fully fit.

IAGO ASPAS (on for Flanagan 81)- 4

The Spaniard had a chance to make himself a hero with a late cameo, but simply lost the ball and offered nothing.

Who was your Man of the Match? Let us know in the comments section below.

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