Liverpool just about did enough to beat Stoke City thanks to a fantastic goal from Philippe Coutinho. The match was even contested between the two teams but it was the Brazilian who came up with a bit of magic late in the game and smashed in a goal from almost 30 yards out. Liverpool start the season with a hard fought win, while Stoke will be a little disappointed by not keeping a clean sheet and getting the point they deserved.
Liverpool played with a few new signings starting for them and we provide the player ratings for the Reds in their win.
Simon Mignolet: 7/10
Mignolet pulled off one great save from a Charlie Adam free kick but wasn’t tested all that much by Stoke, he would be extremely pleased with his clean sheet though.
Nathaniel Clyne: 7/10
The new right-back performed really well for the Reds, he wasn’t exposed a lot but linked up with the attack and was a brilliant outlet for Liverpool’s attack.
Martin Skrtel: 7/10
The rock in defence, Skrtel didn’t have to do a lot in the game but controlled the Liverpool defenders really well for a decent clean sheet.
Dejan Lovren: 8/10
Lovren, the player who was picked on the most last season was impressive in defence and should get better as the season goes by.
Joe Gomez: 7/10
The youngster played as the left-back for Liverpool and did have a couple of good runs down the left, he will be one to watch out for this season though.
James Milner: 7/10
Milner didn’t wow anyone with his performance but he was the same old ‘Boring’ James Milner in the centre of midfield, which was a good thing for Liverpool.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
The Liverpool captain tried to link up with the attack but couldn’t do a lot for the team, he and Milner do need to communicate a lot more in case they want to build their partnership.
Jordon Ibe: 7/10
Ibe couldn’t get a lot done down the wings, he did get the better of the defenders once but his final delivery has to be better if he wants to continue playing in the team.
Adam Lallana: 6/10
Adam Lallana looked out of sorts for the Reds and really needs to step up if he wants to continue as a starter for the Reds.
Philippe Coutinho: 8/10
The star of the team with a magical finish right at the end, Coutinho was fairly quiet throughout the game but one moment of brilliance was all it took for the Brazilian to win Liverpool the three points.
Christian Benteke: 6/10
The big Belgian seemed a little out of place and out of sorts, Liverpool need to mould their game around Benteke if they are to get the best out of him. His physicality should be used more but it wasn’t the worst performance ever by the striker.
Substitutes:
Roberto Firmino: 6/10
Firmino came late on in the second half and did have a couple of decent touches, he still needs a bit of time to settle in the team but it will be interesting to see where he does play for Liverpool.
Emre Can: 7/10
The German tank came on in place of Lallana and he did have an impact in the centre of midfield. His strength and driving force gave Liverpool more impetus in attack and he also provided a defensive cover to the back four.