Liverpool player ratings: 2-2 Sunderland

Liverpool throw away a 2-0 lead in ten minutes to let Sunderland steal a point at Anfield

Well, this game just summed up the current state of Liverpool football club. We lead by two goals, and the fans walked out in protest of the high ticket prices during the 77th minute thinking the game was all but won. Yes, arguably this impacted the atmosphere and shook the players, but nobody can argue that Simon Mignolet could have done more to prevent conceding that free kick from Adam Johnson. Then, Jermain Defoe set the score with a finish from ten yards in the 89th minute.

Many fans are blaming the walk out, saying you should never walk out on your team, but what happens when next season comes and prices are so high that genuine fans might not be able to go to the games in the first place?

The reds once again dominated, with 73% possession and 16 shots – sadly only 5 of those were on target. Liverpool seemingly opted for a tactic which saw them try more crosses, which doesn’t really help Roberto Firmino and the other Liverpool players who are better suited to playing with the ball at their feet.

Sunderland struggled to get involved at only, and score both of their shots on target to pull back a game which should have been over with. The lack of fight was shown today, but will likely be overlooked by the walk out, which is easier for other fans to blame.

Jurgen Klopp’s pitch-side passion was sorely missed, with the manager missing the game on the grounds of illness. Sadly, these types of performances have become almost normal now, with the team under-performing and lacking any real goal threat or defensive solidarity.

A positive we can take from today is that Daniel Sturridge made it to the bench, which is always good if he can manage to avoid another injury before the West Ham game on Tuesday.

Here’s Rush the Kop’s player ratings from the 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

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