Liverpool player ratings vs Man Utd: Salah shocking, Firmino 4
Here are the Liverpool player ratings after their 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Anfield.
In what could be described as the tensest match as a Liverpool fan to watch this season, Alisson Becker got Liverpool out of trouble and won them a point, making crucial saves from Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
Liverpool came closest when Thiago fired a long range shot in the second half, which was easily denied by David de Gea. Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold both found the target, but nothing was even close to stopping Liverpool’s 348-minute Premier League goal drought.
It wasn’t defensively that Liverpool really had any issues – it was what happened when the front three got the ball. Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Firmino – the best front three Liverpool have probably ever seen, certainly in the Premier League era, are all totally lacking confidence and any sort of footballing prowess.
To have a build-up as it happened pre-match, it’s not really a surprise that the game ended as it did – as it usually does in these tense big matches.
Starting with the man of the match, here is how we rated the players’ performances.
Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker – 9
The aforementioned saves were just the tip of the iceberg – his overall performance was just proof of the Brazilian’s high standards not dropping unlike the rest of the team.
The former Roma man earned this point, as he did against Fulham, Tottenham, Man City, Newcastle and countless others. He has to be a shout, alongside is compatriot in front of him, to be Liverpool’s player of the year so far.
Man of the match. Man of the season.
The back four kept it solid with a clean sheet – but how do they rank in terms of ratings?
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Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Despite not excelling to his usual world-class standards, it was a significant improvement from Liverpool’s right back after that performance against Southampton.
He defended excellently throughout, denying the usually dangerous Marcus Rashford and then Paul Pogba when he marauded to the United left.
Going forward he wasn’t great, but it is a stride for the Scouser.
Centre-back: Jordan Henderson – 8
Filling in at centre-back, Henderson has now kept two clean sheets and conceded just one in three appearances against Monterrey, Southampton and United today.
Henderson was not only Liverpool’s most progressive passer, but defended like he’d been playing centre back all his life against a very potent United front line.
Centre-back: Fabinho – 8
It seems like I’m writing exactly the same every single time I rate Fabinho, and he never ceases to amaze me.
It’s as if Liverpool have signed a £50 million centre back, and he’s slotted in perfectly. Yes, they’re without an undoubtedly world-class defensive midfielder but in the time of need, he continues to perform and perform with no questions asked.
Left-back: Andy Robertson – 6
A very similar performance from both full-backs today. They both defended resolutely but failed to penetrate offensively.
The Scot did well in looking after Pogba and Bruno Fernandes and generally kept hold of the ball. He put in 100% and that’s all anyone can ask.
Central midfield: Thiago Alcantara – 7.5
The Spaniard ran the game on the pitch and in numbers.
121 touches, 83 passes, seven interceptions, 16 ground duels won, eight completed long balls, 100% dribble completion in five attempts, and two chances created.
Such a domineering performance can not go unnoticed on his Anfield debut, but even he couldn’t drag the Reds to three points today.
Central Midfield: Gini Wijnaldum – 6
After the news emerged that he is likely to reject Liverpool’s contract advancements in favour for a move to Barcelona, Gini put in, as ever, a six out of ten performance.
He maintained possession in the majority but his passing was occasionally slow, laboured and behind the receiver, which in a game like this can kill attacks and momentum.
Typical Gini performance – whether that is positive or negative in this situation is up for debate.
Central Midfield – Xherdan Shaqiri – 5.5
It wasn’t Shaq’s greatest performance despite a really exciting and bright start in the opening 20 minutes – and after that period he really slowed down and impacted the game minimally.
You just wanted the diminutive midfielder to have dig and shoot from outside the area, but it wasn’t to be.
It wasn’t the defence or midfield to blame for Liverpool not winning this match, but the usually excellent front three. They haven’t been themselves, and the ratings reflect that.
Right wing: Mo Salah – 4
Salah had one of the Reds best chances but got tangled amongst United’s defenders – and Luke Shaw especially had him in his back pocket.
This frustration lead to him being overly negative and passing backwards throughout the second half and rarely threatening in any manner at all.
His movement and actions are becoming more and more telegraphed every time – predictable, simple and shocking by the Egyptian’s standards.
Left wing: Sadio Mane – 5
The best of the front three. But that is no compliment, more of a multi-layered insult to the Senegal international.
Despite clearly showing intent, he didn’t provide anything in terms of successful passes in the right areas, chance creation or anything in the manner of goal scoring.
He may have Liverpool’s only goal in the last four Premier League games, but he was poor tonight.
dark. Next. Liverpool complete deal for 21-year-old defender
Striker: Roberto Firmino – 4
The most frustrating performance of the night, for me. Bobby’s end product was awful, but that was simply the focus of the lens. His touch was off (unlike him), his passing was off (unlike him), and his general play slowed it all down to the most part.
After being a shining light in a poor side the last few games, Bobby wasn’t on it at all tonight.