Liverpool player ratings for Crystal Palace defeat…
Crystal Palace 3-1 Liverpool – The visitors slipped to yet another defeat, as we conceded three at Selhurst Park for the second successive season.
Things started so well for Liverpool as we took the lead within 90 seconds through Rickie Lambert. But Dwight Gayle pounced on a fortunate deflection off a post to make it 1-1, before goals from Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak sealed the win.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 5
Might have done a little better when the ball rebounded off the post before the first goal, but could do little about goals two or three.
RB) Javi Manquillo – 5
Disappointing down the right as he was tormented by Yannick Bolasie, while he also snatched at a golden opportunity when he did push forward.
LB) Glen Johnson – 6
Looked decent going down the left and linked up well with Coutinho down that side. A couple of good crosses and some nice moments from the experienced defender, who was the pick of Liverpool’s back line. That’s not saying much admittedly.
CB) Dejan Lovren – 4
When missing too often at the crucial moments, as he was caught out in the build up to both the first and second goals. How long can he keep hanging on to his place?
CB) Martin Skrtel – 5
Lucky not to be sent-off for two yellow cards, another disappointing day for a man who was such a formidable presence in last season’s team.
CM) Steven Gerrard – 6
Came close with a couple of free-kicks and one old fashioned long range effort, but he was otherwise a sluggish presence at the heart of the Liverpool midfield.
CM) Joe Allen – 7
Passed the ball intelligently and cut a striking figure with his bloodied head. Taken off with 15 minutes left as Emre Can got the chance to impress.
RW) Adam Lallana – 7
Made the goal for Rickie Lambert as the former Southampton players linked up. Withdraw with twenty minutes remaining in favour of Fabio Borini.
AM) Raheem Sterling – 6
Cut a horribly frustrated figure towards the end of the game, the Liverpool winger was bright for spells, but could still not influence the game as much as he would have liked.
LW) Philippe Coutinho – 6
Has similar moments of inspiration, but was quiet overall, and did little to inspire his teammates when the chips were down. Disappointing from the Brazilian.
ST) Rickie Lambert – 7
Got his first goal and led the line reasonably well, but will no doubt rue those other chances that got away.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 5
Serious question now need to start being asked, because Rodgers is rapidly running out of ideas. There is a feeling of stagnation, he has no ideas or invention and change is needed with the system.
Subs:
1) Fabio Borini – 5 – Did little to influence the game after replacing Lallana
2) Emre Can – 5 – Liverpool missed Allen’s ball retention, another strange change from Rodgers