Jurgen Klopp’s celebration for the late winner by Divock Origi showed how much the result meant to him even if it was just a point against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday at Anfield. Liverpool took an early lead but were 2-1 down thanks to two goals from two set pieces by the visitors. But a late shot by Origi deflected into the West Bromwich Albion net and gave the Merseysiders a point from this game.
Though the result is not the best one for Klopp and his team, they have put an end to a 2 match goalless streak and will be hoping to build on this result. Here are the player ratings for this game for both sides.
Liverpool:
Simon Mignolet (2.5)
The Belgian shot-stopper has always been under scrutiny and he did himself no favors as he was at fault for WBA’s first goal.
Alberto Moreno (2.5):
Was not his lively self down the flank and was caught out at times at the back? Needs to do more at both ends of the field.
Martin Skrtel (2):
Needs a lot of improvement in the set piece defending as he lost his player too often for the manager’s liking.
Dejan Lovren (2.5):
Was at times found wanting when defending air balls but was generally confident. Had to be stretchered off in the second half after a nasty looking injury.
Nathaniel Clyne (3.5):
Was involved in the best spells of possession for Liverpool in the final third and was also largely untroubled at the back.
Emre Can (3):
His quick footwork and thinking opened up some spaces for his side, but these moments were too far apart to create any pressure on the opposition.
Jordan Henderson (3.5):
A true captain’s performance as he drove forward to open his sides scoring and was also a lively figure in the midfield for the club.
James Milner (2.5):
Was good in patches but did not do enough to open up the visitor’s defenses. But there are no doubting his commitment and energy levels.
Adam Lallana (3):
Won the header that gave Henderson his goal and was lively in the middle but needs to be more incisive to break stubborn defenses.
Phillipe Coutinho (2.5):
Took his chances from outside the box but rarely troubled Myhill in front of goal. Produced some beautiful balls over the top but was not consistent enough.
Christian Benteke (2.5):
Did not lack service from his midfielders but failed to find the back of the net. Was also stuck to his place and needed to be a lot more mobile.
SUBS:
J Ibe (2.5)
R Firmino (2.5)
D Origi (3): The manager has him to thank for the point as his late shot from outside the box ended in the net after taking a deflection.
West Bromwich Albion:
B Myhill (3.5):
Made a number of saves mainly from Lallana to keep WBA in the game. Was generally solid and could do nothing against either of the goals.
C Dawson (3.5):
An assured performance for the visitors as he was at the right place to open the scoring and also defended his flank superbly.
G McAuley (3.5):
Hardly put a foot wrong even as Liverpool increased the pressure in the closing stages of the game.
J Olsson (4):
A man of the match performance from the defender as he scored a goal that almost won his team the game. Also reduced Benteke’s danger to a bare minimum. Also scored a goal that was ruled offside.
J Evans (3):
Provided a solid cover in front of the back four as he reduced the home side’s attacks and had them shooting from long range.
D Fletcher (2.5):
Was the weak link in the WBA side as he gave away possession too cheaply and was also ineffective with his defending.
J McClean (2.5):
Was used in a defensive sense and hardly had anything to do as he was not assured at the back nor did he provide any support up front.
C Gardner (2.5):
Was full of energy all day and put Liverpool under pressure when in possession. Almost beat Mignolet at the near post in the first half.
J Morrison (2.5):
Produced some great passes at times but for major portions, the game just flew by him.
C Brunt (3):
Was a thorn in the Liverpool defense all night and also provided the ball for Olsson’s goal.
S Rondon (2.5):
Missed a great chance on the counter in the second half and was quite for most of the game.
SUBS:
R Lambert (2.5)