In what was at the end a seven goal thriller, Liverpool edged past Swansea by 4-3 at Anfield which ensured the Reds strengthen their hold in the quest for next season’s Champions League. Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson gave the home side a double lead, before Swansea via Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Bony equalised the proceedings. Liverpool however went into the break just ahead thanks to a pinpoint cross from Suarez and a sublime header from Sturridge. Going into the second half, the visitors started as the better side and got even courtesy of Bony’s penalty. And in the seesaw of a match, Jordan Henderson was the saviour at the end forcing home a point-blank range shot to see the Reds home. Here are Liverpool player ratings from Anfield.
Simon Mignolet: Made some good saves, however was at fault collecting balls from the flanks. Could do nothing to stop the three goals from Swansea.
Rating: 2/5
Glen Johnson: Did venture out of position much throughout the game, didn’t go forward more to his liking in a match which he returned from injury. However, considering that he has had no game time in the past month or so, we shall cut him some slack.
Rating: 3/5
Martin Skrtel: Has he learnt the lesson? Very, very odd game for the Slovakian who struggled throughout and gave away the penalty by tugging Bony’s shirt which was just unwarranted for.
Rating: 1/5
Daniel Agger: Until he was subbed off, on what looked like an injury, the Dane was the pick of Liverpool’s defence and made some crucial interceptions at the back.
Rating: 3/5
John Flannagan: Great game for the youngster. He was sublime going forward and displayed an enormous work rate.
Rating: 3.5/5
Jordan Henderson: My man of the match, what a game for the lad, Scored a wonder goal in the first half and kept the icing on the cake with his second and Liverpool’s winner in the second half. Showing his true worth finally.
Rating: 4/5
Steven Gerrard: Tried to control Liverpool’s tempo, but was largely exposed, but really played well come at the last quarter of the feisty encounter.
Rating: 2.5/5
Raheem Sterling: Yet another great game for the young man. Made a sublime assist for Liverpool’s opener and was subbed off early in the second half.
Rating: 3/5
Philippe Coutinho: Flop of the match for me, the Brazilian should have better games than this. Nothing more than giving away balls cheaply and hugely ineffective throughout.
Rating: 1/5
Luis Suarez: Even though the Uruguayan didn’t score a goal, he was instrumental upfront linking up with Sturridge, the latter taking full advantage of the former’s genius.
Rating: 3/5
Daniel Sturridge: First Premier League player since Ruud Van Nistelrooy to score in back to back eight Premier League matches. Got a brace but his selfishness could cost Liverpool at crucial times.
Rating: 3.5/5