Brilliant Matip And Milner – The Best And The Worst Rated Liverpool Players vs Sunderland

Liverpool’s unbeaten streak since matchday 2 continued against Sunderland at Anfield, but it took a lot from the hosts to break down a resolute Black Cats backline.

The victory came at a cost, though, as Coutinho picked up an injury early in the game and had to be stretchered off the pitch following an ankle dislocation that could rule him out for weeks.

His replacement Origi, inspired Liverpool to victory in the 2nd period as he broke the deadlock with a fine strike, while Milner put the game to bed with a spot kick that sent Pickford the other way.

Karius

Apart from a misplaced pass he made from a goal kick, the German didn’t put in a wrong foot, helping the team to play further up the pitch and also rushing out to keep Defoe and Watmore at bay. Kept his 3rd cleansheet – the first one with a win.

Rating : 9/10

Clyne

Attempted to contribute to the attack but really couldn’t create any sort of chances for the forwards via his usual crosses into the box.

Rating : 8/10

Matip

Was at alert to keep Defoe away from a long Pickford pass from the other end and was also solid as Liverpool restricted the visitors to only a shot on target.

Rating : 8/10

Lovren

Came close to getting that vital opener for the hosts with a header and long-distance shots, but wasn’t just his day. Didn’t really have much to do at the back.

Rating : 8/10

Milner

Scored his 5th spot kick and goal of the season to help put the game beyond doubt after an assuring display at the back and further up the pitch to put in both defensive and offensive solid performances.

Rating : 8/10

Wijnaldum

Had Liverpool’s best chance in the first period after a swift turn saw him shoot straight at Pickford. Also came close with 2 or 3 more attempts that went just some inches wide.

Rating : 7/10

Henderson

Pocketed Sunderland’s midfielders in another classy display and capped a solid outing with an assist, his 3rd of the season.

Rating : 8/10

Can

A fine performance from the German who played perfect passes into his teammates’ path and also came close to getting the opener with an attempt that went just wide.

Rating : 7/10

Mane

His sprint towards Sunderland’s goal that forced N’dong to commit him in the box was about the only meaningful thing he did all day following a below-par performance in the final third.

Rating : 6/10

Firmino

Was trouble for Sunderland’s defence, keeping the visitors’ back four on their toes with his movements. Had some poor decision-making moments, though.

Rating : 7/10

Coutinho

Was beginning to influence the game until a clash of legs with N’dong after about half an hour saw him go down with an ankle trouble.

Rating : 6/10

SUBSTITUTES

Origi

With Sturridge missing from the bench because of a knock, the young Belgian got his chance following Coutinho’s withdrawal and grabbed it with both hands as he scored a beautiful goal that Pickford could only watch curve in.

Rating : 7/10

Lucas

A late substitution.

Rating : Unavailable

Woodburn

Spent very few minutes to mark his Premier League debut.

Rating : Unavailable