Liverpool lost 2-1 to title favourites Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime, as Brendan Rodgers’ side’s poor run of results continues. Henry Jackson assesses each Reds player on the day.
SIMON MIGNOLET (out of 10)- 6
The Belgian once again had good and bad points to his game, making some fine saves but also looking shaky with the ball at his feet. Still not good enough, and the Reds must find a better goalkeeper.
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GLEN JOHNSON- 6
The 30-year-old made a couple of good blocks to deny Eden Hazard in the first-half, and dealt fairly well with the Belgian star. He still frustrated at times though, and it remains baffling as to why Javier Manquillo isn’t retaining his place week in, week out.
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MARTIN SKRTEL- 6
The Slovakian had a solid afternoon, and had a very tough 90 minutes against the physical Diego Costa. There will always be an erratic nature to Liverpool’s defending as long as he’s in the side though.
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DEJAN LOVREN- 5.5
Lovren did little to justify his selection ahead of the unlucky Kolo Toure, looking nervous on the ball and lacking leadership throughout. Surely the most disappointing of Brendan Rodgers’ signings this summer.
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ALBERTO MORENO- 6
The 22-year-old struggled at times defensively, and must stop taking risks in dangerous areas of the pitch. He got forward well when he had the opportunity to.
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STEVEN GERRARD- 6
The skipper didn’t manage to stamp his authority on proceedings at any point, barring the odd trademark raking pass, and his lack of pace was an issue when Chelsea‘s attacking players ran at him.
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EMRE CAN- 7
The young German was impressive, scoring the opening goal via a deflection, and bringing dynamism to the midfield. He was one of Liverpool’s standout players before tiring after the break.
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JORDAN HENDERSON- 5.5
The 24-year-old was not at his best, and hasn’t been for a few weeks now. His passing was particularly erratic. His effort could not be questioned at any point though.
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PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 7
Coutinho always looked the Reds’ brightest attacking spark, showing quick feet, creativity and a good work-rate from start to finish. Strange decision by Rodgers to substitute him in the second-half.
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RAHEEM STERLING- 6
The 19-year-old looks a little jaded at the moment, and is far from his best. He always looked a threat when he had the ball out wide though.
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MARIO BALOTELLI- 6.5
The much-maligned Italian did plenty of good, but more is still needed from him. He held the ball up well, worked hard and showed more movement that of late, but he lost the ball cheaply a number of times.
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Substitutes
FABIO BORINI (on for Coutinho 69)- 6
The 23-year-old headed over late on, but was otherwise kept quiet by Chelsea‘s excellent defence.
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JOE ALLEN (on for Can 69)- 6.5
The Welshman did pretty well when he came, adding some midfield running from deep.
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RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Balotelli 79)- n/a
The former Southampton man was unnoticed.
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