DIDN’T see anyone calling 1-0 in the buildup. Liverpool far from scintillating, but they huffed and puffed and eventually blew the house down. Or at least dismantled it gently and politely, without causing too much disruption to the neighbours. Still unbeaten.
Simon Mignolet: 6
Made a half decent save first half and then spent the rest of the game standing around thinking about how much easier it is when you haven’t got a left back who chases the dog on the electronic advertising boards.
Joe Gomez: 6
Don’t want to see loads of him at right back at home in the league, but he did OK. Grew into the game from an attacking point of view and got more confident. Didn’t lose a battle at the back.
Joel Matip: 7
Much more like it. Did a few of those tackles where he comes out with possession of the ball that feel terrific and get a big clap from everyone.
Ragnar Klavan: 7
He might be getting a couple of “not Dejan Lovren” points, but unruffled throughout and refused to be bullied by Christian Benteke.
Andy Robertson: 7
Looking to start a shoegaze band called “Andy Robertson’s crosses”. I’m on bass. Gareth Roberts on rhythm guitar. Andy himself on lead. But need a drummer and a singer if anyone fancies it? Auditions on Tuesday in The Florrie. No Teds.
Jordan Henderson: 6
Still not quite right, especially his passing, but did some great calming everyone down with five to go.
Gini Wjinaldum: 5
Not happening for him at the moment, is it? Feel like he needs a Phil Coutinho or an Adam Lallana or a fucking rocket up his arse.
James Milner: 6
Getting a banner made with “James Milner probably isn’t the answer long term in midfield, but he does lots of sensible things and you can see why managers like him”. Coming to an away end soon.
Sadio Mane: 6
Was a bit crap, but even when he’s off it he’s a danger. He’ll be our top scorer this season. Watch.
Roberto Firmino: 6
He’s a fighter Bobby, isn’t he? Willed a performance out of himself in tricky circumstances.
Daniel Sturridge: 5
Still got quick feet but refused to run faster than a jog. Hopefully just not fit…
SUBS
Dom Solanke: 6
I really like Dom Solanke. Looking to make him my mate. Not sure what my move is. Text me any ideas. Looks a lovely footballer.
Mo Salah: 5
Didn’t really do a great deal. Had a decent shot but one the ‘keeper was always saving.
Lovren: N/A
READ: Liverpool 1 Crystal Palace 0: The Final Whistle
READ: Liverpool 1 Crystal Palace 0: Match Review
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I love all the people going ‘Fancy that, Milner’s actually quite good in midfield’ like there’s been some kind of collective amnesia about him playing his whole pre-LFC career there. While I’m at it, Dom Solanke looks like Diego Costa if he’d led a more wholesome life.
He’d been playing on the wing! Less than 20 games in midfield before joining Liverpool.
I meant midfield in the broad sense, as in not defence or attack.
Don’t get me wrong, the other gents are quite lovely. But Gibbo on the ratings is pretty much my single favorite thing to read. It’s not easy being actually insightful and actually funny over and over again, but there you have it. Roddy Doyle who?
Had me hooked (again) from the dog on the boards. There’s an art to this stuff and The Talented Mr. Gibbons is an artist.
+1
A hard game to rate players I feel as no one player stood out as good or bad. My praise would go to the full backs.
Gets his writing talent from his dad who is boss at writing wired plays and pantos. John’s suffered over the years because he had to watch them.
Thought Gomez did better than Henderson. They sang “you’re just a shit Steven Gerrard” but he’s not even that. Pedestrian and too many backward passes, missed tackles and distinct lack of shots on goal from our midfield
I can play drums lad…any chance?
Henderson was garbage. Worst player on the pitch by some distance. Rest of the ratings are fairly spot on.
Hendo wasnt outstanding but he did make 4 tackles and 3 interceptions (could be the other way round). Couldn’t ask too much more from somebody charged with breaking up the play
The introduction of Salah and Solanke changed the game. Salah distributed the defense line but the most important is Solanke as he replaced the unfit Sturridge. On header, he is better than Sturridge that helps our defense especially during the critical moment like the 2nd half.
I like the comments, but you need to use the full range of scores available, from 1 to 10. Atg least from 3 to 9. To have Mane only one point above Wijnaldum is just too tight-arsed.