Christian Benteke opened his account for Liverpool tonight as Brendan Rodgers’ men made it two Premier League wins from two, having yet to concede a goal.
But while the result was good, the performance was occasionally disjointed, and Liverpool fans, while delighted with the three points, were asking questions come full-time.
Here’s how we rated the players.
Jordan Chamberlain – Editor of Empire of the Kop
Simon Mignolet – 7
Never flapped at crosses to pick up his 11th clean-sheet of the calendar year in the Premier League, more than any other goalkeeper. His most impressive asset is perhaps his ability to hold onto fizzing drives from various ranges, and he did that again tonight. Wouldn’t have been blamed if Bournemouth’s goal wasn’t ruled out.
Nathaniel Clyne – 9
Clyne’s made a fantastic start to his Liverpool career, and he was our best player on the park tonight. Defensively, he’s an enormous improvement on Glen Johnson, but provides just as much energy and link up play down the right as his predecessor. The 24-year-old put in the perfect fullback’s performance, barely ever giving the ball away despite constant pressing from the newly promoted opposition. At £12m, he looks an enormous snip.
Joe Gomez – 8
If Clyne was a bargain at £12m, Gomez the steal of the summer at £3.5m. To think, (and we’re going to say this a lot this season…) he’s only 18-years-old. The two main attributes that impress so much, both of which belie his age, are his physicality and his composure. He doesn’t fret when attackers close him down, he doesn’t get bullied, and he makes sound defensive decisions. If he carries on like this, he’s not going to lose his place at left-back for some time.
Martin Skrtel – 6
Another clean-sheet which the Slovakian certainly played his part in. Traditionally lucky not to give away a penalty when grappling at a corner, Skrtel was actually outshone by his partner tonight. Fans moan that Skrtel’s taking too big a risk by shirt pulling, but if he gets away with it, which he did, it’s good defending. Had a few shaky moments though. Is it implausible to see the stalwart dropped for Sakho, and not Lovren?
Dejan Lovren – 7
Skinned by Calum Wilson early on, but settled into the first-half, and the odd lapse in communication/concentration didn’t result in a chance for the Cherries. As the game wore on though, Lovren got defensively better and better, and as the visitors pushed, he was an impressive last line of defence – winning plenty of headers and making a few tackles, too. His performance wouldn’t have entirely silenced those who want Mamadou Sakho starting ahead of him, but it would have gone some way to suggest he’s not the liability of 2014/15.
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.
Adam Lallana – 5
Our wingers will do well to keep their spots in the side next week, and were probably our two least effective players tonight. Lallana especially was quiet, and bar one mazy run through the middle after a clever turn, was anonymous.
Jordon Ibe – 5 (Firmino – 70′)
Played on the left, when he would have likely been more comfortable on the right – with an overlapping Clyne helping him. Gomez doesn’t really attack, so Ibe had two players to contend with. He stayed very wide, but didn’t deliver any end product – winning throws rather than making chances.
Christian Benteke – 8
As expected, the Belgian won his aerial duels, but most importantly, opened his Liverpool account with a back-post tap in. He was ecstatic to notch in front of the Kop, and we hope that it’s a sign of things to come for the £32.5m man. The goal helped him, and he looked visibly more confident after his poacher’s effort. He battled hard down the flanks too, despite being accused of being static in the past. In the second, he held up the ball terrifically, and hit his only chance onto the bar with minutes remaining. Really encouraging, especially considering he didn’t get much service.
Subs:
Emre Can – 6 – Showed his strength three times, beating off opposition midfielders and using his body to shield the ball. Sometimes gets too excited when dribbling, holding onto possession for too long.
Roberto Firmino – 5 – Very quiet, but came on when our backs were against the wall, and it would be wrong to judge him on his 20 minutes. Given a brilliant reception which would have made the hairs on anyone’s neck stand.
Alberto Moreno – 6 – Only had ten minutes, but showed he could play as a winger for us this term when games are stretched. One brilliant run earned a freekick, but would have been the Goal of the Season had he finished it.
