Jordan Henderson – 6 (Can – 50′)
The skipper was withdrawn just after half-time after picking up a niggle, and his exit made it difficult for us to control the midfield. He assisted Benteke’s goal with a whipped delivery from the touchline, and put a few other telling deliveries in as well. Played slightly deeper than James Milner, but still managed to drive through the centre on more than once occasion. Let’s hope he’s fully fit the Arsenal clash.
James Milner – 6
Despite one of the worst freekick attempts ever seen at Anfield, Milner put in an efficient performance. Was pushed out to the right later on and his work-rate invigorated an increasingly nervous crowd. Barely gave the ball away all evening and covered an enormous amount of ground.
Coutinho – 7 ( Moreno – 80′)
Gave the ball away too often in the first half an hour, but after we scored, Coutinho’s influence grew – and he was drawing fouls and threading balls forward regularly. Missed a simple chance with his left-foot, but it was of his own making, so that can be forgiven. Coutinho’s not clinical sadly, despite his incomparable talent, and he should have put the game beyond doubt. Our Brazilian found pockets of space in the no.10 role, and was consistently ‘very close’ to working his magic – but the run of the ball, or his touch was slightly off. Still good, mind.
