Liverpool played well but were frustratingly held again at home by Man United to a 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon. Here’s how they fared.
Liverpool 0-0 Man United
Premier League, Anfield
October 14, 2017
Simon Mignolet – 7 (out of 10)
Had very little to do but when called upon he made a critical save, denying Romelu Lukaku from seven yards.
Joe Gomez – 8
This was a big game for the youngster, showed excellent composure throughout and held a good level of concentration.
Was on the wrong end of a challenge from Lukaku which could have unnerved him, it didn’t! Star defender for this fixture.
Dejan Lovren – 7
Had very little to do as United looked happy to sit back, when called upon was reliable with possession and distribution.
Joel Matip – 7
If not for the brilliance of David de Gea he could well have been the hero of the first half, denied on 34 minutes by a reactionary save which looked impossible.
Likes to drive forward and help the attack from its base point.
Alberto Moreno – 7
Suffered an early rinsing by Henrikh Mkhitaryan but soon settled.
Offers far more to the attack than the defence, managed to find himself in the right attacking area at the right time.
Jordan Henderson – 7
Sprayed the ball around well and was key to a quick transition. Always looks to build the attack, and had the time and space to do so.
Didn’t forget his defensive midfield duties either, gave excellent cover.
Emre Can – 7
Can be relied to break down the attack of the opposition and showed this to good extent.
Should have done better with his opportunity in the second half but steered the ball high over the bar into the Kop.
Showed the lung-busting surge that typifies his home games early on, frightened the United midfield and defence on six minutes.
Could really do with a world-class striker to slide in.
Philippe Coutinho – 8 (Man of the Match)
Was very lively and single-handedly took the challenge to United, fired in some dangerous crosses and balls.
Replaced on 76 minutes, a sign of his work rate. Still short of match fitness but is getting there.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Should really be Man of the Match; however, missed a few opportunities that he should have converted.
You get the feeling if he scores one, he’ll get a hat-trick. Just needs to get the one to let the flood gates open.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Needs more of a killer instinct, played well though. Some exceptional footwork on display that embarrassed Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Substitutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (on for Salah, 76′) – 6
Did little wrong, did little of real inspiration. Fired a dangerous ball in on 81 minutes but it came to nothing.
Difficult game to come on to but is a short of the level expected. May take a while longer to settle and fully gel with his team-mates.
Daniel Sturridge (on for Coutinho, 76′) – 6
Needed to have the dynamic Coutinho and Salah on the pitch to provide him the creativity he thrives upon.
Dominic Solanke (on for Firmino, 88′) – N/A
Didn’t get any real opportunity, a very odd substitution—should have been given longer if realistically expected to have an impact.
Subs not used: Karius, Milner, Klavan, Alexander-Arnold
Manager
Jurgen Klopp – 7
Killed the creativity in the game on 76 minutes by withdrawing both Coutinho and Salah, then expected Sturridge to feed off scraps.
Liverpool played well but Klopp needs to find an out-and-out striker to top this excellent midfield/attack off.
Did wonders with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Dortmund by converting him from a winger into a striker, it won’t work at every club.
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