Player Ratings: Liverpool 2–1 Everton

Liverpool

Loris Karius – 6

Came back into the team and did little wrong but still gave Liverpool fans some nervy moments – was unlucky to spill a Sigurdsson free-kick and could do nothing with Everton’s equaliser.

Joe Gomez – 7

Was back in the right-back position and produced another sturdy performance – was a constant attacking outlet and should have scored with a header from close range, still culpable of losing concentration when defending.

Joel Matip – 7

Wasn’t hugely tested but won some important headers when under pressure in the penalty area – a good start with his new central defensive partner.

Virgil van Dijk – 9

Was boldly included in the starting line-up but delivered – marshalled the backline, dominated aerially and impressed with the ball at his feet … and scored the winner with a thumping header.

Andrew Robertson – 7

Had the tough task of limiting the influence of Bolasie but dealt reasonably well – also made some very good crosses especially towards the end of the first-half.

Emre Can – 8

Was at the heart of the midfield and in truth, the entire team – was continually blocking, tackling, and passing all to a good standard.

James Milner – 7

Seemed to thrive in a more lenient and aggressive type of match – covered a lot of ground and was keen to tackle although did little in terms of craft and invention but did score Liverpool’s opener from the penalty spot under a lot of pressure.

Adam Lallana – 6

After a fantastic performance against Burnley, it was a disappointing game from Lallana who never got into the match – was sloppy in possession and seemed way off the pace.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7

Really came into the game after the break and impressed both offensively and defensively – provided a number of good deliveries from set-pieces including for van Dijk’s winner.

Sadio Mane – 6

Another below-par performance – worked hard but his shooting and passing lacked conviction.

Roberto Firmino – 7

Relentlessly harassed the Everton defence and his movement allows the other attackers to flourish – wasn’t quite at his best and seemed slightly more isolated than usual.

Everton

Jordan Pickford 6

Produced one good save to deny a Robertson shot but on the whole was protected well by his defence – should have collected the ball to deny Liverpool of their winner.

Jonjoe Kenny – 7

Was steady and solid in defence and was willing to attack on the right – made one brilliant interception from a Firmino pullback.

Mason Holgate – 5

Gave away the penalty, although it was harsh, and was involved in the game’s main bust-up – wasn’t as dominating in defence as his central partner.

Phil Jagielka – 7

Led the backline well and teed-up Sigurdsson for Everton’s equaliser – but was out-jumped for van Dijk’s winner.

Cuco Martina – 6

Was fairly sharp at left-back without being spectacular – tried a 35-yard half-volley in the first-half that went horribly wrong

James McCarthy – 7

Played a big role in the centre of Everton’s midfield – brought strength and guile until the hour-mark when he noticeably faded which led to Everton becoming more open.

Morgan Schneiderlin – 6

Produced a competent display but the physicality of the match didn’t suit him – always looked to play the ball forward.

Yannick Bolasie – 8

Everton’s best player on the night – brought pace, power, and penetration to Everton’s attacks and was the Liverpool defence’s biggest problem.

Wayne Rooney – 5

When Rooney went off just after half-time Everton played much better and with more pace – during the first-half he was reckless and produced numerous wayward passes.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – 7

Was keen to get forward but didn’t get much opportunity to show his creativity – was good in defensive situations and supported Martina.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6

Worked hard but was isolated and dominated by Liverpool’s centre-backs.

Oliver Miller

FoL's Matchday Correspondent @oliver_miller

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