A disappointing evening saw Liverpool beaten by Premier League champions Manchester City, and Henry Jackson assesses each Reds player on the night.
SIMON MIGNOLET- 6 (out of 10)
The 26-year-old was rarely troubled, and despite conceding three goals he hardly had any other shots to deal with. He was at fault for Sergio Aguero’s goal, having got himself into a bad position and easily beaten at his near post subsequently.
GLEN JOHNSON- 5
Johnson was deployed at right-back, but yet again there appeared to be a lack of focus about the 30-year-old. He was ponderous in possession and weak defensively, and a late injury could rule him out of action for a few weeks.
MARTIN SKRTEL- 6
On a night when Liverpool’s defensive flaws were certainly highlighted, Skrtel was the Reds’ better defender. He read the game well and was strong in the air, but his partnership with Dejan Lovren certainly needs time to get right – especially their defensive line.
DEJAN LOVREN- 5
After an impressive debut against Southampton, Lovren had a poor night at the office against the champions. He was at fault positionally for the first goal, and his lapse in concentration allowed Aguero to get in behind him and score City’s third. A disappointing night.
ALBERTO MORENO- 6
There were plenty of very promising signs on Moreno’s debut, but he ultimately played a big part in the defeat.
Going forward he looked excellent, with a good touch and electrifying pace at his disposal, but with the Reds dominating the game it was his defensive error that allowed Stevan Jovetic to make it 1-0 at a critical time.
Hopefully his injury isn’t too bad and he’s able to settle in the side.
STEVEN GERRARD- 6
Gerrard oozed his usual class on the ball, but there are still question marks about his defensive expertise off the ball.
He lost David Silva too easily in the lead-up to the first goal, and his lack of legs were an issue at times.
JOE ALLEN- 7
The Welshman deservedly came into the side in place of Lucas Leiva, and he was probably Liverpool’s standout player on the night.
He used the ball well, covered plenty of ground and got forward a number of times to support the attack. Another promising display by the much-maligned 24-year-old.
JORDAN HENDERSON- 6
This wasn’t the most effective 90 minutes Henderson will ever play, but he never stopped running and always looked confident in possession.
The 24-year-old could, perhaps, have taken a few more risks on the ball though, rather than invariably opting for the easy pass.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO- 5
The Brazilian was extremely disappointing all evening, and after such a magnificent pre-season he has struggled in his opening two league matches.
Too often he tried to be too fancy in dangerous areas, and he just failed to stamp any kind of authority on the game – struggling from a wide position. Substituted in the second-half, he perhaps needs to be moved into a more central role.
RAHEEM STERLING- 7
The 19-year-old looked easily Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat all evening, showing blistering pace, quick feet and good vision throughout.
He has reached the stage where it’s a surprise if he’s not among Liverpool’s top three performers every game.
DANIEL STURRIDGE- 6
Sturridge was a little disappointing, and although he kept trying, he was erratic in front of goal and guilty of not holding the ball up enough. He did set up Pablo Zabaleta’s consolation own goal, however.
The signing of Mario Balotelli may see him paired in a front two, and thus give Sturridge more space to prosper – as shown by his assist for Lambert’s goal / Zabaleta’s own-goal, and last week after Lambert’s introduction against Southampton.
Substitutes
LAZAR MARKOVIC (on for Coutinho 60)- 7
The 20-year-old impressed on his Reds competitive debut, bringing pace and creativity to the side lacking in the disappointing Coutinho.
EMRE CAN (on for Allen 74)- 6
The German showed some nice touches and a good work ethic, but was booked almost straight away for a rash challenge.
RICKIE LAMBERT (on for Sterling 79)- 6
The 32-year-old played a key part in Liverpool’s goal, but perhaps should have scored the initial header that led to Zabaleta turning the ball into his own net. He had a chance to make it 3-2 soon after, but opted to try to play in Sturridge instead.
Who was your star man on a forgettable night for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments section below.
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