Liverpool beat Stoke in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals, taking a possibly crucial away goal into the second leg at Anfield
Liverpool look greatly improved from their performance against West Ham, and came out strong against Stoke in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals. Injuries played a key part in this game, with Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren being replaced due to hamstring injuries and Kolo Toure struggling with his hamstring as the game came to a close.
The away goal stolen from this game could decide whether Liverpool take part in their 12th League Cup final, and the reds did incredibly well to find the winning goal and hold out despite the unfortunate injuries. Here’s Rush the Kop’s player ratings following the first leg match against Stoke.
GK – Simon Mignolet – 6
Simon Mignolet’s performance was frustrating to say the least. His time wasting and dawdling is annoying and very unsportsmanlike, but would Liverpool have lasted from the increased pressure that would have been caused without Mignolet’s antics? He made an excellent save just before the end of the first half, stopping former Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson from scoring, and his decision to come out and grab a cross denying Peter Crouch a header was a great one! The only downside was the yellow card he received for time-wasting, and accompanied by his 22 second ball holding reputation, this makes me frown upon Simon Mignolet and the risks he creates
RB – Nathaniel Clyne – 5
Nathaniel Clyne wasn’t as noticeable as in previous games for the reds. Most memorably, He made an overlapping run earning Liverpool a penalty shout (to no avail), and got caught out of position allowing Stoke an opportunity (once again to no avail). Clyne didn’t have a bad game, but he didn’t have a great one either.
CB – Kolo Toure – 6
Toure blocked well and was left to provide the majority of reliable defence after Dejan Lovren left injured. He helped direct Lucas Leiva and got in the way of shots to reduce the risks to Simon Mignolet’s goal. Despite his age, Kolo Toure looked solid at the back and kept a clean sheet with Lucas alongside him.
CB – Dejan Lovren – Injured
Lovren left the pitch with a hamstring injury in the 33rd minute. He looked solid at the back until then, and Liverpool had been dominating the game.
LB – Alberto Moreno – 5
Similar to the situation with Clyne, I think the extra cover required when Dejan Lovren left the pitch prevent either full-back from getting too far forward. Alberto Moreno was in the same situation of not having a bad game, but not having a great one either.
CM – Lucas Leiva – 7
Seeing Lucas Leiva captain the side again wasn’t something I felt comfortable with – he simply doens’t posses the leadership qualities Liverpool need. However, the way in which the Brazilian fell into the central defensive role was exceptional. He looked shaky at times and had a few nervous moments, but he stopped Liverpool from conceding which is all that really matters.
CM – Emre Can – 7
Another solid performance from one of Liverpool’s most consistent mid-fielders. His pressing and surging runs are amazing, and the way he helped cover the fragile defence today really helped secure the clean sheet. His intense spirit is exceptional and he never stopped fighting.
CM – Joe ‘Xavi’ Allen – 6
Allen had a good game, getting a penalty shout and (luckily) getting the right touch to lay the ball onto Jordan Ibe for his goal. Allen is an underrated player who did well today going forward.
LAM – Philippe Coutinho – Injured
Coutinho was replaced by Ibe after just 18 minutes due to the fact he picked up a hamstring injury. Before his substitution, he looked to be linking well with Firmino and Lallana and the reds looked strong going forward.
RAM – Adam Lallana – 7
Adam Lallana’s clever passing helped carve out chances for Firmino and Ibe, and his ball into Joe Allen and then onto Ibe created the goal in this game. He did well going forward, but sometimes he tries fancy touches and passes that don’t always pay off – but when they do it looks amazing.
CF – Roberto Firmino – 7
Roberto Firmino gets a 7 because of the amount of chances he had during this game. Yes, he didn’t put them away, but a few close misses from space her created with a nice display of control shows so much promise. If he can just settle enough to find that extra few inches of positioning he could be banging in goals from all around the pitch. Firmino is frustrating, and I have no idea how he still starts for the reds, but today he looked strong than he has in recent weeks and his chances were some of the most exciting when watching the match.
Substitutes –
Jordan Ibe – 18th Minute – 7
A third goal for Jordan Ibe, and Liverpool’s bright spark proves why his development is exciting. He provides one of the most effective forms of attack for Liverpool and his dribbling helps get the reds forward. His goal won the game for Liverpool, but a tone of greediness set in and he was selfish to not lay the ball off to Milner who was open for a better chance on goal.
James Milner – 34th Minute – 7
James Milner came on and linked with Emre Can to provide that intensity and fight in the midfield. Without those two the back four would have been vulnerable. Milner’s presence allowed Lucas to drop into defence and provide that support needed to keep the clean sheet. The vice-captains leadership helped Liverpool see off Stokes attacks.
Christian Benteke – 79th Minute – It’s harsh after only a couple of minutes
Christian Benteke came on and did nothing. Literally nothing. It’s harsh to rate him in such a short space of time, but with no close chances and impacting play, he wasn’t an effective substitute.