Liverpool produced an outstanding performance, destroying Roberto Martinez’s side and enhancing their Champions League chances in the process. Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) rates each Reds player on an unforgettable night at Anfield.
SIMON MIGNOLET- 7 (out of 10)
The Reds ‘keeper was rarely troubled, but when he was required to spring into action he did his job with relative ease. Still looked slightly shaky and lacking communication with his defence at times, but a solid performance from the Belgian.
JON FLANAGAN- 8
The 21-year-old has come such a long way this season; it’s not that long ago that many, me included, wanted him nowhere near the starting XI. He was hugely reliable all night, keeping the dangerous duo of Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar quiet throughout. Liverpool’s most in-form full-back.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 8
The big Slovakian has been easily Liverpool’s best defender this season, and he produced another terrific display. He was commanding from start to finish, and played with a passion that seemed to inspire others around him. Was so confident he ended up on the right-wing at one point.
KOLO TOURE- 7
A good performance from the Ivorian, who produced the long-range pass for Daniel Sturridge‘s second goal. He was less noticeable than Skrtel, but quietly went about his business impressively. Like Mignolet, he does look slightly nervy at times, however. Far from first-choice when Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho return.
ALY CISSOKHO- 6
The 26-year-old was solid defensively, and has certainly had worse games for the club. He still looks way short of Liverpool quality, however, and his distribution was absolutely terrible at times.
STEVEN GERRARD- 9
Liverpool’s best player on the night. Gerrard was an absolute colossus in midfield, spraying the ball from deep and breaking up Everton‘s attacks relentlessly. He looked pumped for the occasion, and his bullet header crucially opened the scoring. The Reds captain showed why talk of him being dropped is ludicrous.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 7
Another strong display from the young Englishman, who has become such an important player at the club. Perhaps not as eye-catching as some of the other performers on the night, but his constant running and creativity helped Liverpool boss proceedings.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 9
The Brazilian was majestic all night, producing easily his best performance of the season. The 21-year-old was used in his favoured role behind the striker, and he was a joy to watch. His vision and movement caused Everton huge problems, and his pass for Sturridge’s first was delightful. Left the pitch to a standing ovation.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
Sterling has improved so much over the last few months, and his pace was absolutely devastating at times. His decision-making still needs to improve, but that will come with age. Won the penalty in the second half, and was unlucky not to find the net before the break.
LUIS SUAREZ- 8
Suarez is so special that you expect him to be the best player on the pitch in every match. While he wasn’t quite the star man this time around, he was still exceptional. He looked dangerous every time he got the ball, and showed pace and composure with a terrific solo effort to complete the scoring. 23 goals in 21 games this season for the Uruguayan.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 8
Another excellent performance from Sturridge, as his fantastic Liverpool career continues. The 24-year-old produced two clinical finishes to put the game beyond doubt, first slotting past Tim Howard then lofting a clever effort over the American. He missed a penalty after the break, however, and was too selfish at times.
Subs
VICTOR MOSES (on for Sturridge)- The game was beyond doubt when he came on, and the Nigerian international was relatively quiet.
MARTIN KELLY (on for Flanagan)- Solid but unspectacular, the Reds were 4-0 up when he was introduced.
LUIS ALBERTO (on for Coutinho)- Looked composed and classy on the ball.
Who was your Liverpool Man of the Match? Where do you agree/disagree with Henry?
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