Liverpool’s player ratings in Man United undeserving 1-1 draw!

Unlucky for Liverpool not to walk away with all three points, after Man United once again, got awarded an offside goal! Liverpool did well as the away team to go up 1-0 and keep it that way for majority of the game.

Liverpool were outstanding in defense leading up to the goal. Another Liverpool keeper goes down as the hero for the Reds on the night, after Simon Mignolet kept United scoreless to the 84th minute of the game.

Dirty dogs lie! That’s all I can fester up when thinking about the United team’s performance.

Refs again making decisions, which potentially cost points and undeservedly gets teams back into the game. Missing important man handling situation in the box, only to fall victim to the Man United offside goal special. Comes across as daylight robbery, to say the least.

It was another undeserving point for the opposition. If they are to take this result and be proud of it. Then I think it’s clear, Man United are on their way to reaching their top 6 ambitions.

Liverpool’s player ratings:

Away kit changing rooms (from Liverpool FC's official Facebook page) — Away kit changing rooms (from Liverpool FC’s official Facebook page)

Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet: 7

Was mostly the reason Liverpool stayed 0-1 up majority of the game and the reason the scoreline ended even on the night. He made game saving stops throughout, expecting once when Liverpool’s defense went into a scramble. The Liverpool stopper showed some good resilience between the sticks.

Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5

To make your Liverpool debut in one of the biggest rival meetings in English football is a lot to ask from a young player. Trent did exceptionally well for his first Premier League start yesterday evening. The lack of experience was on display at certain times during the game, but nothing unexpected by the young Englishman. He can only get better and with Clyne out, hopefully he keeps impressing on the pitch in the absence of the first team full-back.

Central Defender – Dejan Lovren: 7.5

Zlatan needed one opportunity to have an impact on the game, but this opportunity only came late on for the Man United striker. Only because of Lovren and Klavan bossing Zlatan around. Liverpool’s defense got beaten with pace on the side yes, but United posed little threat through their leading man, Zlatan.

Central Defender – Ragnar Klavan: 7.0

Thank God there was no errors from our new signing, Klavan. Him and his partner were on the ball last night and barely put a foot out of place. Taking into account the goal conceded was a gifted offside goal. The Liverpool defense, quite honestly, almost put in another clean sheet display. The ref and linesmen, had other plans for the outcome of the match though.

Left Back – James Milner: 7.8

Securing a point from the spot. Milner was again a great assist for Liverpool moving forward and back. He got some great challengers in on the left side and gave some decent deliveries into the box.

Central Midfielder – Jordan Henderson: 6.5

The skipper came back strong and was well rested for this drooling encounter. The captain made it easier for the rest of the midfield to play their game. Unfortunately Henderson wasn’t at the peak of his power and couldn’t apply his killer game, as he’s been doing since the start of the campaign.

Central Midfielder – Emre Can: 8

Safe to say he was our most committed on the field. After having a dismal showing in Liverpool’s League Cup fixture. Can took this big stage game by the horns. Winning most of his duels in the middle of the park. Can hands down! Was the best player of the two teams.

Central Midfielder – Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5

I really enjoyed the energy, strength and awareness, Wijnaldum displayed on the ball last night. Barely able to knock him off the ball and barely misplacing a pass. Think it would have been ideal for this Liverpool player to have scored the winner of the game. Ever so silent, yet always a loud figure on the field. He needs to get that shooting boots on and start firing when needed.

Left Winger – Adam Lallana: 7.0

Adam Lallana should have done better with the half chances created. We expect him to do this more frequently, taking his form into account. If we can’t look to the likes of him or Firmino, when other goal scorers are out, then who do we look to? He needs to get back to scoring ways.

Roberto Firmino strikes on goal in a pre-season friendly against Swindon Town (via Liverpool FC Facebook)

Right Winger – Roberto Firmino: 7.0

On the side he was again ineffective, but once his fellow countryman was introduced, he was a bit sharper. Playing through the middle, Firmino was livelier and more visible on the pitch. With Coutinho back, Liverpool’s attacking threat was back to it’s best almost. Firmino needs to get back to leading the line.

Striker – Divock Origi: 6.0 (Substitution off 61″ Philippe Coutinho)

Wasn’t really his night, but tried to get involved in the game where he could. His defensive work though, was on par with the rest of the Liverpool outfit. The Man United defense cut Divock out of the game until he was taken off.

Substitution – Philippe Coutinho: 6.5

The only substitution of the game for Liverpool. Impacting immediately once being introduced. Love the way Klopp showed in order for us to win, we might not even have to use our best players.

Not starting Coutinho, proves the squad still has what it takes to play against any of the top 4 to 5 teams in the league. Coutinho almost put the game to bed, but being laid off a while, has made the player a bit rusty. His final third was lacking during the game.

A point might be a fair result, considering United was in better form with nine consecutive victories and were the favourites to win at Old Trafford.

Liverpool needed that little bit of extra luck, but it wasn’t happening with the game officials handing Man United the point.

Optimistic that we will find our best form again and the points drought is behind us and in our next fixture, Liverpool are back to winning ways.