Player Ratings: Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea

Player Ratings

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet – 6

Made a number of crucial saves in the opening half during a spell of Chelsea pressure – was unfortunate with his positioning for Willian’s goal as he struggled to backtrack in time.

Joe Gomez – 6

Produced another competent display – defensively sound and provided a useful outlet for Salah when he overlapped.

Joel Matip – 7

Limited the influence of Morata, read the game well and a powerful presence in the air at both ends of the pitch – wasn’t quite in-sync with his defensive partner Klavan at times.

Ragnar Klavan – 6

Appeared particularly nervous whenever Hazard ran at him, but then again who wouldn’t – was also caught out of possession on a couple of occasions.

Alberto Moreno – 7

Rewarded the faith placed in him by Klopp by defending well, getting forward when possible and performing a number of last-ditch tackles.

James Milner – 6

Is starting to show that the pace of the Premier League is getting beyond him – Saturday was not the first time this season that he was out-paced, out-fought, and out-passed.

Jordan Henderson – 7

Kept it simple after a difficult outing in midweek but was the midfield blocker, interceptor, and director that Liverpool needs.

Philippe Coutinho – 6

Drifted in and out of the first-half but did show glimpses of influence and quality, especially in the build-up to the goal.

Daniel Sturridge – 5

A rather surprise starter and the lack of first-team football showed as there wasn’t much in terms sharpness or invention from the striker.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Utilised on the left of Liverpool’s attack and demonstrated why Klopp had called on him for his strength and willingness to run – provided the crucial toe-poke for Salah’s goal.

Mohamed Salah – 9

The Man of the Match looked dangerous whenever he cut inside on his left foot and could have added to his goal with a winner in injury time – Anfield anticipates something special when he gets the ball and that really says it all.

Chelsea 

Thibaut Courtois6

Was almost left embarrassed as a Sturridge shot squirmed under his body but could do little to stop the goal and made a couple of vital saves.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 8

Chelsea’s best defender always seemed to be tackling, passing, or intercepting – an impressive performance by the Spaniard.

Andreas Christensen – 6

Didn’t look completely comfortable with Liverpool’s pressure but did produce a number of key blocks.

Gary Cahill – 6

Struggled to stop Salah exerting his influence but did dominate in the aerial battles.

Davide Zappacosta – 6

Always looked a threat when attacking down the right wing but never quite delivered the right ball.

Danny Drinkwater – 5

Played some lovely forward passes but was quite subdued through much of the match – was substituted in the second-half.

N’Golo Kante – 7

Quietly and confidently went about his business shielding Chelsea’s back three – exhibited the crucial part he plays in this Chelsea team.

Tiemoue Bakayoko – 4

Struggled to adjust to the pace of the match as he failed to make any real impact – substituted for the more creative Fabregas in the second-half.

Marcos Alonso – 6

Was a threat on the left side and had a number of chances which he should have done better with.

Eden Hazard – 9

Demonstrated his quality even though Chelsea were defensively-minded for much of the match – faded slightly after the break.

Alvaro Morato – 7

An isolated figure at times but did everything asked of him – held the ball up well, made intelligent runs and dropped deep to influence proceedings.

Oliver Miller

FoL's Matchday Correspondent @oliver_miller

Steven Gerrard Feature Image

Why Steven Gerrard should have prolonged his career and helped Jurgen Klopp achieve Liverpool’s ambitions

I’ve always wanted to write about the idea that Steven Gerrard quit too soon. This article will explore the argument that had the former Liverpool captain carried on just a few seasons longer, he could have ended on a high note and helped Klopp’s side get over the line for some vital silverware. Gerrard quit […]

Read More
The Loan Report

Sturridge returns to action, but it’s all about five-star Wilson

Harry Wilson – Hull City Harry Wilson scored his fifth goal in Hull colours when he opened the scoring for their 5-0 thrashing of Burton Albion. The Welshman picked up the ball on the right-hand side of the box, before accurately placing it in the far corner of the net. From that point on Hull […]

Read More
Talking Points

Key Talking Points As Salah And Co. Cruise Past Bournemouth

Anfield, Liverpool – This is a strange time, a time when Premier League football has almost become an afterthought for Liverpool Football Club. In spite of whatever may be going on in various competitions though, every team still has to play their 38 league games. Jurgen Klopp, perhaps surprisingly elected to field a very strong […]

Read More