Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool overcame their Baggies Voodoo this weekend as goals from Sadio Mane and Phillipe Coutinho, in the first half, gave them all three points on a chilly night at Anfield. Gareth McAuley’s late effort set up a nervy finish on the night as Klopp’s men threw away a chance to go on top of the table, albeit only for a day for the first time in more than two years. However, the final whistle saw Klopp and the 50,000+ Reds at Anfield celebrate moving level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table. There were a number of decent performances on the night and here are the player ratings for the home side for this game:
Loris Karius (6):
Should be held responsible for giving away the corner that led to the goal but was decent in front of goal otherwise on a comfortable night.
Nathaniel Clyne (7):
Put in a solid shift at right-back where he made a number of interceptions high up the field and helped Liverpool maintain width to their play throughout the game.
Joel Matip (7):
A towering performance from the centre-half who displayed great determination and strength to keep the likes of Rondon away from goal.
Dejan Lovren (6):
A confident performance at the back by the former Southampton man who stuck to his task and helped Liverpool to all three points on the night.
James Milner (7):
Industrious as ever on the left-flank for Liverpool and played a part in the second goal as he gave his side a solid platform to go for all three points.
Emre Can (6):
Frustrating night for the German who should have found himself on the score-sheet but put in a mammoth shift in the middle of the field dominating the game and helping out with bursts into the final third.
Jordan Henderson (7):
Yet another superlative performance from the Liverpool skipper who won the ball in the middle of the park numerous times to keep the ball rolling for his side.
Adam Lallana (7):
Showed what Liverpool lacked in the game against Manchester United as he managed to pop in all over the field, connecting the midfield to the attack and keeping Liverpool on top for most of the game.
Sadio Mane (7):
A superb performance from the Senegalese winger who finished coolly to give Liverpool the lead inside 20 minutes. Showed his pace and troubled the WBA back line all night with a decent performance.
Phillipe Coutinho (8):
Man of the match on the night, Coutinho was marvelous with his touches and turns on the night. His dummy in the middle of the park set up the first goal for Liverpool before he himself got on the scoresheet with a low drive from inside the box. A superb effort to give Liverpool a victory on the night.
Roberto Firmino (7):
Showed why his play suits Liverpool more than Sturridge’s does as he helped his side put up a sizzling display in the final third. Set up the goal for Mane and created a number of half-chances on a productive night for the Brazilian.
Subs:
Divock Origi (6):
Got a few minutes under his belt as he eased his legs with non-stop running for the last 10 minutes of the game.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Came in to get a taste of the game back from injury and almost got on the scoresheet putting in a decent performance at the fag end of the game.
Lucas Leiva (6):
Came in to add an extra number in the midfield and helped his side keep up the score line and take all three points from the game.