In what was a disastrous performance, Liverpool lost for the first time this season as they were downed 3-0 by West Ham at Anfield. There were a number of bad performances for the Reds in this game. Due to the nature of the performance and the result, there will be no MOTM today.
Simon Mignolet: 6
Not much he could have done for either goal, though he didn’t exactly look commanding or ready for the first goal. In truth, he didn’t actually have that much to do, bar picking it out of the net three times. Defence is to blame a lot more than him really.
Nathaniel Clyne: 6
As close to a silver lining as we got in this game. Probably the only member of the back four who didn’t put in a shameful performance. Clyne worked the wings well and put in a few decent balls, whilst also remaining fairly solid defensively.
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Martin Skrtel: 4
He put in close to a perfect performance at the Emirates and earned a 9. This was the complete opposite of that performance. He set the tone for the rest of the afternoon by failing to clear a routine header which led to their opener in the third minute. A bunch of trademark needless fouls in dangerous areas, combined with some really shocking defending for the third goal make this a game the Slovak will be having nightmares about.
Dejan Lovren: 4
Speaking of nightmares, Lovren was one. What he was thinking in the lead up to their all important second goal is anyone’s guess. Overall, he was actually more solid than his partner, and even completed 21 of 22 passes, but the mistake for the goal was unforgivable. It’s a shame too, Lovren had started to win some fans over with his first three games; calls for him to be dropped have come back with a vengeance.
Joe Gomez: 3
We thought there would be days like this. Gomez had been arguably our best player in the opening three games of the season, but he was thoroughly exposed today. Inexplicably missed the ball for their first goal, and was generally nowhere in sight for a lot of their attacks. It seems as though he was lost in our obvious attempt to be more attacking at home. He killed the momentum of most of our attacks due to his inability to cross with his left. Perhaps he should be dropped for Moreno for home games.
Lucas Leiva: 5
Struggled to control the middle of the park and was nowhere near as much of an enforcer or defensive presence as he was at the Emirates. Allowed players like Payet and Lanzini to run pass him as if he wasn’t there. Offered little going forward and not good enough defensively.
James Milner: 5
I’ve said before it would take a real shocker for Milner to get below a 6. Well this was it. Was a big reason the midfield had absolutely no control and was far too slow in possession. He should be setting the tempo of our passing and it was all far too slow today. A few more useless corners mean he gets below a 6.
Emre Can: 6
The pick of our midfield, though that’s not saying much. Can really shouldn’t have been the one hooked at half time. Seemed the only one looking to make things happen with a few decent runs and passes. Brendan Rodgers recently claimed Can will be outstanding as a “controlling midfielder”, not with performances like this he won’t.
Philippe Coutinho: 4
Still looked rusty when he was on the pitch, often holding onto the ball for just a bit too long. To be fair, there was very little space for him to operate, and very little movement ahead of him. Two very silly yellow cards by the Brazilian showed that though he may often look older, he is still only 23. He will be a huge miss for the game at Old Trafford now, a hefty price for a couple of rash decisions.
Roberto Firmino: 5
Clearly still adjusting to the league, Firmino often held onto the ball for too long, and struggled to find any space to exploit. A very good shot cannoned off the post, had that gone in it may have been a different game. Will get a chance to be the main creative force at Old Trafford.
Christian Benteke: 4
Many would argue that he was starved of service, but really the Belgian just wasn’t lively enough. His pressing is non-existent and he’s not the kind of player who will stretch a defence. Failed to get a single shot in, and was generally anonymous all game, even losing out in the air.
SUBS:
Alberto Moreno (Can 45′): 5
Given more than just a cameo this time around. However, his role was limited by the sending off of Coutinho in the 51st minute. Didn’t do much after the sending off really. May start home games from now on after Gomez’ attacking weaknesses were exposed.
Danny Ings (Firmino 61′): 5
Not the best game to make your home debut. Ings came on for the ineffectual Firmino. He put in a good shift which was encouraging, however, when chasing the game 2-0, you want your fresh striker to be up their causing the defenders problems, not getting back and closing down players.
Jordon Ibe (Gomez 78′) : N/A
Didn’t really have much time to do anything. Didn’t do anything of note either.