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.
