Player ratings: Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Aug 19 2017

Liverpool worked hard for a 1-0 victory at Anfield against Crystal Palace. Here are the Player Ratings for today’s Premier League game:

A great result for the Reds today as they battled to a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. It was the first game at Anfield this season and was wonderful to be back in front of the Kop. Opening games of the season always have that hope and spark that anything could happen this season.

Late goals in the opening two games have taken the shine off the start of the year but the crowd were in a good mood ready to see the Reds with their own eyes for the first time this season.

There had been calls all week to reshape the defense around after some shocking individual performances. Manager Jurgen Klopp obliged and made a host of changes to freshen his squad. The Champions League reverse fixture is this week and he wanted to keep some players ready for the huge second leg.

There were many changes in defense with Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and Andrew Robertson coming in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno. The clean sheet and solid defensive performance will hopefully mean it will be a while before we see Lovren and Milner in the first team.

In midfield, James Milner came in, for the rested Emre Can, alongside Henderson and Wijnaldum. Daniel Sturridge returned from injury and was straight into the lineup. Mohamed Salah made way to the bench.

Here are our Player Ratings for Liverpool v Crystal Palace:

Simon Mignolet – 6

Had little to do but did it all well. There have been times where his concentration has lapsed in games where he has not been busy but that was not true today. Made his saves and helped command the area to contribute to a much better defensive display.

Joe Gomez – 7

He has not played right back much for Liverpool. In fact he has not played much at all, but his solid contributions in all aspects show us what we have been missing. With Trent Alexander-Arnold as a marauding full back and Gomez as a consistent defensive performer it will be hard for Nathaniel Clyne to fight back into first team contention.

Joel Matip – 7

That’s more like it. Looked far more like the majestic defender we are used to. Everything felt calm at the back and it was led by this man. Flawless positioning and decision making. Never hurried in possession. Great performance by the Cameroonian. Did however missed a sitter early in the game.

Ragnar Klavan – 7

Klavan may not have the physical or technical attributes we need in a dominate center half but he does have the composure. And composure has been a rare quality in the Liverpool back line. Was not fazed by the physical presence of Christian Benteke as was alert to the threat of Andros Townsend cutting inside to shoot.

Andrew Robertson – 8

A very strong start for the Scotsman on his debut. He whipped in a fantastic early cross that Matip put wide. Two more crosses in quick succession showing us better technique and decision making than we’ve seen in 4 years of Moreno. Good defending and clever overlapping. A late shot forced a fantastic save from Hennessey. Man-of-the-match.

Jordan Henderson – 5

The Liverpool captain was facing pressure to improve his performance after mediocre displays against Watford and Hoffenheim. Unfortunately the balance of this midfield hurts all of these midfielders. With the Palace midfield positionally disciplined and harrying, Henderson could not get a hold of the game. Hurried too many long passes that didn’t find their targets. The effort is there but the quality isn’t right now.

Gini Wijnaldum – 5

Another game of ‘Where’s Gini?’.  There is little to say about his display. Did not influence the game – positively or negatively – at either end of the field. Has typically had his best games for Liverpool against the better sides. Sits a little too deep to make an impact against teams like Palace. Would like to see him get forward more. Replaced by Solanke in 70th minute.

James Milner – 5

Starting in midfield for the first time in over a year and gave us nothing that was not already there with Henderson and Wijnaldum. A terrible free kick into the Kop early in the second half brought a chorus of groans from the Anfield crowd. Too similar to both Henderson and Wijnaldum to be noticed or appreciated. A great professional presence to have around and available but Robertson’s performance should begin to limit his opportunities when Lallana and Coutinho return.

Sadio Mane – 7

Got the goal with a beautiful stabbed finish after a period of pressure. Started back on the right hand side with Mohamed Salah on the bench. Kept moving and working to find space and create opportunities but the midfield three were too deep in the first half. He misses having the quick and clever interchanges with Coutinho and Lallana. Still not at full fitness so there is much more to come.

Daniel Sturridge – 6

Fantastic to see Daniel Sturridge back from injury though he suffered from having no service whatsoever. Andrew Robertson the only player who was looking to find his runs. Did nothing wrong but a combination of poor midfield play and lacking fitness means he was some way off his best.

Roberto Firmino – 8

Tireless as ever. There was one Crystal Palace counter attack shortly after the goal and Bobby tore back into the left back position to make the tackle. He dropped in deeper after Solanke came in and the midfield instantly looked improved. Such a good player.

Subs

Mohamed Salah – 7

Gave the team energy and drive that had been much lacking before then. Unlucky not to score with a wonderful shimmy and curling shot. Was the spark the helped get the win.

Dominic Solanke – 6

Came on in 70th minute and helped give the side better shape. He allowed Firmino to drop deeper and helped give Mane and Salah a more physical presence to work off. Contributed to the goal.

Dejan Lovren – N/A

Had no time to contribute except to make everyone nervous at his introduction.

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