Player Ratings: Liverpool vs Swansea City

Liverpool disappoint as Klopp must be questioned

Liverpool have essentially shown themselves the door in the title race after losing to Swansea City at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp must look in the mirror after losing to a side that was at the bottom of the table entering the day.

His refusal to dip into the transfer market has seemingly cost his side a chance at the title. After today’s match, it is now more clear than ever that the Reds need midfield and forward reinforcements.

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Klopp’s stubbornness to stick to his script must leave Liverpool fans extremely frustrated.

Starters

Simon Mignolet: 5 – Although none of the goals were technically his fault, anytime a goalkeeper has to pull the ball from his net three times will not earn him a positive rating.

Nathaniel Clyne: 6 – Could partially be to blame for Swansea’s second goal as the service was sent from his flank. However, Clyne was by far the best member of the back line today.

Dejan Lovren: 4 – After a run of good performances, this was not one for the Croatian to remember. Lovren was involved in all three of Swansea’s goals, especially the first by conceding the corner that led to the goal.

Ragnar Klavan: 4 – Joel Matip cannot come back soon enough. Caught out of place a few times, and a weak touch handed Swansea the winning goal.

James Milner: 5 – Not to blame for any of Swansea’s goals, but was uncharacteristically poor going forward. His service into the box often let his teammates down.

Jordan Henderson: 3 – Easily Liverpool’s worst player on the day, something that should never be said of a team’s captain. Henderson’s worst performance of the season in a very good season for the skipper. His sloppy passing often ceased bursts of positivity for the Reds.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 5 – Might as well have not been on the pitch in the first half, was not involved whatsoever in the first 45 minutes. A beautiful touch to set up Roberto Firmino’s second goal was Wijnaldum’s only positive contribution.

Emre Can: 5 – Similar to Wijinaldum, Can was lost on the pitch today. Even when involved, did nothing to prove he belonged out there. Klopp needs midfield reinforcements, badly.

Adam Lallana: 6 – The Englishman has struggled since moving out wide to fill in for Sadio Mane. Did his best to be involved and link up play, but is at his best when he is playing in a central midfield position.

Philippe Coutinho: 7 – Clear why Liverpool have missed him so much, dangerous whenever he had the ball. Still working his way back to fitness, but he will be key if Liverpool are to hold onto their Champions League place.

Roberto Firmino: 8 – Liverpool’s best player on the day. Two well taken goals, with the second a goal of the week candidate. No negatives for the Brazilian today, a good sign after a string of less than convincing performances.

Substitutes

Daniel Sturridge: 6 – With Swansea sitting deep, it was tough for Sturridge to be involved. Klopp needs to consider starting both Firmino and Sturridge moving forward.

Divock Origi: 5 – Had one chance, but after an awful performance in the FA Cup, Origi did not help his cause with a few bad touches late on.

Joel Matip: N/A – Why was Matip not in the starting lineup?