After a comfortable victory at the Riverside, Liverpool managed to steal all three points from a closely competed Merseyside derby, the first one of the season. The Toffees started the game in fine fashion, pegging Liverpool back for the first half hour but Klopp’s Reds managed to get a foothold in the game to keep the pressure and finally break them down. After a number of failed attempts on goal, Sadio Mane managed to latch on to a ball that came back off the post from a Daniel Sturridge strike to give Liverpool the lead deep into stoppage time to set off wild celebrations at the away end at the Goodison. Though most players were not at their best, it is quite understandable in a game of this magnitude. Keeping that in mind, here are the player ratings for the Liverpool players:
Simon Mignolet (6):
With Everton conjuring just one shot on target, Mignolet had very little to do but he did that with some command to keep a clean sheet for his side in this victory.
Nathaniel Clyne (5):
Was out of sorts at times in the final third as he wasted a few attacks, but was solid at the back to keep Everton away from the Liverpool goal.
Dejan Lovren (7):
Stuck to his task well of keeping the hosts away from the goal and was tough throughout the game to sniff every half chance that came his way to help his side to a clean sheet.
Ragnar Klavan (8):
Arguably the best performance in a Liverpool shirt for Klavan, who was initially troubled by Lukaku. Dominated the game in the air and allowed Liverpool to maintain possession of the ball for long periods on a superb night.
James Milner (6):
His usual self on the flank as he kept Everton away from danger and also provided a few flashes of attacking brilliance at the other end.
Jordan Henderson (6):
The Liverpool skipper was off his game in the first half, misplacing a number of passes but he grew into the game and helped Liverpool dominate the second half till the final whistle.
Adam Lallana (6):
Not a day to remember for the English international who tried hard but was just not able to open the Everton defense on the night.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Was a constant presence in the midfield for Liverpool as he won the ball back a number of times and helped set his team on the attack working well as a link between the midfield and the attack of the side.
Sadio Mane (8):
Was a constant menace for Everton as he often got behind the defence but failed to find the final ball. However, was the first to react in the buildup to the goal as he scored into an empty net to give Liverpool all three points.
Roberto Firmino (6):
Though had a lethargic start to the game, the Brazilian slowly grew into it and helped Liverpool pile up the pressure on the hosts. Almost scored in the second half but for a late block from Leighton Banes on the line.
Divock Origi (5):
Showed a weakness in the air that allowed Everton to dominate the first half of the game. Though grew into it, just did not do enough to break Everton down on the night.
Subs:
Daniel Sturridge (7):
Came in with just 10 minutes to play but took his time to get into the game and made the difference on the night by finding the post from outside the box to help Mane to a tap-in. Showed his importance to the team coming back from injury.
Emre Can (6):
Had a few mediocre moments late in the game but did well to see off the lead to take all three points.
Lucas Leiva (5):
Came in the stoppage time and had very little to do as Liverpool managed to hold on to a one-goal lead late in the game.