A much-changed Liverpool beat 5-2 Everton in a thrilling game at Anfield on Wednesday, with Sadio Mane bordering on unplayable.
Liverpool 5-2 Everton
Premier League, Anfield
December 4, 2019
Goals: Origi 6′, 31′, Shaqiri 17′, Mane 45′, Wijnaldum 90′; Keane 21′, Richarlison 45+3′
Adrian (out of 10) – 6
The Spaniard returned to the Liverpool lineup after Alisson‘s red card against Brighton, but he conceded twice at Anfield.
In fairness, he could do little about either effort, but he didn’t carry the same aura that Alisson does between the sticks.
One nonchalant outside-of-the-foot pass early on was a high point.
Alexander-Arnold continued his excellent form, shining throughout and playing an outrageous pass in the lead up to Xherdan Shaqiri‘s goal.
The youngster then laid on an assist for Mane, bursting forward on the counter-attack and showing his poise under pressure.
What a footballer.
Dejan Lovren – 7
Lovren has been in good form since coming in for the stricken Joel Matip, but this was an up-and-down night for him.
The 30-year-old wasn’t good for either of Everton‘s goals, getting himself in bad positions, but he also did plenty of good defensively.
He also produced a brilliant long-range assist for Divock Origi, showcasing his underrated use of the ball.
Mistakes are never too far away: that’s Lovren’s problem.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Fresh off the back of scoring twice against Brighton, Van Dijk was commanding but never at his very best.
He made an important intervention to deny Richarlison, but was caught out of position initially, and didn’t cover himself in glory for the Brazilian’s header.
The positives still outweighed the negatives, though, and one pass to Andy Robertson was sensational.
Andy Robertson – 7
Robertson made his 100th Reds appearance and his spiky presence summed up the magnitude of a Merseyside derby.
The Scot still looks as though he is carrying a slight knock, not always finding his usual energy levels going forward and making a few rash decisions at the back.
Like Van Dijk, though, this was a good performance by most players’ standards.
Gini Wijnaldum – 8
Wijnaldum retained his place, perhaps surprisingly, but his importance was outlined in a selfless outing.
He did little wrong, barring a couple of loose early passes, while his physicality was hugely impressive and he held the midfield together.
Finished off a brilliant performance with the final goal of the game, burying a finish in front of the Kop.
James Milner – 7
Milner was another player brought into the team as Jurgen Klopp rotated his side in risky fashion.
The veteran played well on the whole, working his socks off and providing lots of industry, but he didn’t hit top gear.
A solid showing in a double pivot.
Adam Lallana – 7
Lallana was used in a more attacking midfield role than his colleagues, in what was largely a good performance.
He was a lively presence in the opening exchanges, playing a part in Origi’s opener and pressing Everton relentlessly.
Lallana did get needlessly robbed attempting a trademark Cruyff turn, however, but it would be harsh to pick out the negatives.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 8
From nowhere, Liverpool’s forgotten man earned himself a first start since the 4-0 win over Barcelona back in May.
It was a great evening for the Swiss, who took his time getting into the game before exploding with a lovely finish to make it 2-0.
He produced some wonderful tricks in the second half, showing how important he could be during the festive period.
Sadio Mane – 9 (Man of the Match)
Mane was the only one of Liverpool’s front three to retain his place and he was absolutely sensational.
The Reds’ No. 10 headed over very early on, before producing a stunning pass that allowed Origi to round Jordan Pickford and fire home.
He also teed up Shaqiri soon after, before adding Liverpool’s fourth goal with an effortless finish.
Missed two great chances to complete his hat-trick late on, but this was still a masterclass from the Premier League‘s best player currently.
Divock Origi – 8
Origi had scored three goals against Everton before the game—make that five!
The Belgian fully justified the faith Klopp showed in him, proving to be a menace leading the line and bagging a brilliantly taken brace.
His second of the night, in particular, was a thing of real beauty, taking the ball down and lofting a finish over Pickford.
Origi’s rise over the past 12 months has been quite remarkable.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson (on for Lallana, 72′) – 6
The skipper was a solid performer and he would have got an assist had Mane not fluffed his lines.
Roberto Firmino (on for Origi, 72′) – 7
The Brazilian weaved his magic to lay on Wijnaldum’s goal.
Joe Gomez (on for Alexander-Arnold, 83′) – 6
Only on the pitch shortly, but did his job.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah
Manager
Jurgen Klopp – 8
The manager took a huge risk with his starting lineup, making five changes and bringing in the likes of Lallana, Shaqiri and Origi.
It paid off in perfect fashion, however, as a weakened Liverpool blitzed their opponents on another memorable Anfield night.
Klopp won’t be happy with the defensive side of things, but this was an evening that further outlined how great he is.
We’ll never doubt you again, boss!
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