Liverpool prepared for a crucial Europa League home tie against Borussia Dortmund with a 4-1 win over Stoke City. The Merseyside club did make a few changes and rested players for the Europa League tie but scored the first goal of the game thanks to a long-range shot from Alberto Moreno.
Stoke did reply and scored through Bojan Krkic in the 22nd minute. Liverpool then turned on the screw thanks to the introduction of Divock Origi as he scored two goals and Daniel Sturridge got another one to give Liverpool the three points and a lot of confidence going into the Europa League tie.
We look back at the performance at Anfield and list out the player ratings for the Reds.
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Mignolet might not be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League but Liverpool have to play with him and he had a relatively decent game for the side.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Nothing too special from the English defender but he was one of the few players who retained their place from the last game against Dortmund and provided Liverpool with great support down the right.
Martin Skrtel – 6/10
Martin Skrtel did not have the greatest time as the centre-back and his place looks in jeopardy with the form of Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren.
Kolo Toure – 6/10
Toure also was a bit shaky similar to the Slovakian Skrtel but he did use his experience well and kept Stoke quiet.
Alberto Moreno – 7/10
Moreno hasn’t had the greatest season for Liverpool but he got the first goal of the game and was alright while defending as well.
James Milner – 8/10
Milner was probably one of the best players on the pitch and was brilliant in starting attacks for the Reds.
Kevin Stewart – 8/10
The youngster got his first Premier League start and he made it count with a mature display in the heart of midfield. Liverpool have a star in the making here.
Joe Allen – 8/10
Joe Allen was another player who did extremely well in the game and certainly could start against Dortmund on Thursday.
Sheyi Ojo – 7/10
Ojo was the spark for Liverpool in this game and he even got an assist as he set up Daniel Sturridge for the second goal.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Still making it back to full fitness, the Brazilian should be match ready for Dortmund but didn’t really do much in this game.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Sturridge is the man who got Liverpool’s second goal but his performance will be overshadowed by that of Divock Origi’s.
Substitutes
Divock Origi – 9/10
After a brilliant performance against Dortmund, Origi did the damage again this time off the bench against Stoke and well is a sure shot to start in the Europa League game.
Adam Lallana – 7/10
Lallana replaced Firmino and did provide a spark for Liverpool in attack.
Lucas Leiva – 6/10
A return to first team action for the Brazilian but he couldn’t really do much in the game.