Liverpool player ratings: 1-1 Tottenham

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: James Milner of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: James Milner of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool (L) reacts while (R) Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool (L) reacts while (R) Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on August 27, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Jurgen Klopp: 7

It could’ve been higher if the substitutions were better. First off, what’s the point of bringing Sturridge on if it’s in the 88th minute? What’s he realistically expected to do? It just felt perfunctory, like he felt he had to play him. Origi got 21 minutes, which could have been a bit more in its own right, but Sturridge only two? Doesn’t feel adequate.

Sturridge must be wondering what he’s got to do to get a start at center forward for Liverpool. Didn’t get it midweek against Burton, but he came on and scored a brace. Then on the back of that brace, he found himself on the bench and not the first striker to come on the field.

The tactics went well, though. Milner at leftback worked well for the most part, Matip over Ragnar Klavan wasn’t a particularly difficult decision but he made it. Lallana in central midfield, as previously waxed lyrically about, is a perfect fit. The Wijnaldum selection will continue to gather grief if the Dutchman doesn’t improve his performances.

Liverpool really took it to Tottenham for most of the game and should feel wronged to have not gotten all three points but, hey, that’s football. The better team doesn’t always win and that’s why we love it.