Liverpool’s contention for a top-four spot in the Premier League continued to build momentum as Rodgers’ men bagged a third victory in four league games by making Gus Poyet’s Sunderland taste defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening. Lazar Markovic’s first Premier League strike on goal ensured an untroubled victory for the Reds against the Black Cats. The Serbian international, was refused a penalty in the early minutes. However, he opened his account to put an end to the standstill in the eighth minute with an assured off-the-ball wind up.
Sunderland, despite posing a more threatening line up with ten men than eleven, failed to create any clear cut chances that could give them an edge over the Reds. The Black Cats seemed to struggle throughout the game eventually losing out to Liverpool on 0-1. As Rodgers and his men beef up their undefeated streak in all competitions to seven games, here is our take on the performance of the Reds in their face off against Sunderland:
Simon Mignolet (5.5/10): The Belgian did not have the best of his run in the Premier League so far. Comparatively untested the other night, nonetheless, he is yet to find out some more tenacity while taking charge of the posts. Overall, performed quite well in what he had to do.
Mamadou Sakho (6/10): The Frenchman seemed cool and unruffled. Much more assured than before. All in all, good going by Sakho.
Martin Skrtel (7/10): Seems to have picked up some momentum off late now and that was quite evident from the way he performed at the Stadium Of Light. He seemed to gel in pretty well with Rodgers’ three-backs strategy. Solid comeback by the experienced Slovak.
Alberto Moreno (7/10): Solid at the left. Spared little leeway for Emanuele Giaccherini, charging up and down the left. On the whole, brilliant display by the Spaniard.
Steven Gerrard (6/10): An up to the snuff first half show by ‘Stevie G’. He was driven back in the second half, elseways a couple of goals could have come of the skipper’s boots. Short but impactful show by the veteran.
Jordan Henderson (7.5/10): Simply one word- Brilliant. The ex-Sunderland guy rose up to the occasion as Gerrard was called off at the interval. Played his role at the right wing back to his fullest capabilities.
Emre Can (8.5/10): Solid in his role today. Deployed at the defence in the first half, followed by the midfiled in the second half. Performed exceptionally well. Superb passing, outstanding tackling and heart and soul perseverance in the middle of the park- were some of the highlights of the German’s performance last night. Overall, a display par excellence.
Lucas Leiva (7.5/10): Another brilliant performer for the Reds. Has been consistent and assured in his possessions. Shored up the middle of the park quite well and kept things going for Liverpool. All in all, gratifying show by the Brazilian.
Fabio Borini (5/10): Possibly the only one in Rodgers’ squad who was not perfect last evening. Although, tried his level best, nevertheless, things never clicked in favour of Italian altogether. Seemed to struggle with the ball many a time and failed to make any decent impact on the game. On the whole, quite a fallacious performance by Borini.
Philippe Coutinho (6.5/10): Undoubtedly, one of the best that Rodgers’ has got. Started the first half on a high note with some beautiful passes. Not to be blamed in the second half, as he did not really get much of the ball. Overall, an on the up and up performance by the Brazilian.
#Wikham ‘s reaction after #Markovic ‘s stunning effort. https://t.co/5Q9Huqdb2F
— أحمد بن دليم (@AhmedDelaim) January 10, 2015
Lazar Marković (8.5/10): The Serbian had one of his best games in the Red jersey last night. Poked in a beautiful goal in the 8th minute which gave the Reds an edge over the hosts. One of his volleys also hit the crossbar. Had an equally splendorous second half. The star of the day; simply a treat to watch.
Substitutes:
Dejan Lovren (5/10): Made a comeback to the squad post a groin injury. Substituted ‘Stevie G’ in the second half. Slotted well in the back three. A decent enough performance from the Croatian.
Mario Balotelli (3.5/10): Replaced Borini in the mid-second half. Did not see much of the ball and could not really churn out anything out of the box. On the whole, good enough. Nothing more to write about him.