LIVERPOOL won a game two nil in a relatively no-nonsense manner.
Some of the passing was a bit off but it was very hot. One of those times when the crowd were wearing less than the players.
It was holiday weather, but to describe the players as being on the beach would be unfair. Watford were committed, tough and fairly dangerous on the break. They needed beating and we did. Up the professional Reds.
Simon Mignolet 8
It’s an absolutely outstanding save at 1-0. Was even congratulated by Troy Deeney. Flapped a little at a corner later on but can be proud of his role in the win.
Jon Flanagan 6
Looked quicker to me. Got about the pitch much better.
Alberto Moreno 6
Great covering tackle early on. Good effort considering Thursday’s exertions.
Martin Skrtel 6
Got caught wrong side a couple of times, but generally fine. Especially considering what happened to them at their place.
Lucas Leiva 7
A couple of moments when he didn’t look at all like a centre half, but individually as a performance was very good. Great tackle second half in a dangerous situation.
Kevin Stewart 6
A bit shaky first half but improved second and has a very good last twenty. Seems to have added a couple of tricks that move him away from a pressing midfielder with a shimmy.
Joe Allen 7
Slow to start but ran the show first half once he got going. Bit quieter second half but had his goal by then.
Philippe Coutinho 6
Linked up well with Benteke. Nice run out for him.
Sheyi Ojo 6
Thought he started well but drifted a bit. Shows a great understanding of the game when he drops deep.
Jordon Ibe 5
Seems to be overthinking everything he does which makes him too ponderous. Frightened of making mistakes.
Christian Benteke 7
Great for the opener and a good focal point throughout. Movement and general positioning much better.
SUBS
Roberto Firmino 7
Seemed unsure of how hard to try at first before realising being good is fun. ‘Keeper should probably save his shot, but the record books don’t care about that.
Cameron Brannagan 6
Probably not his ideal position so can be happy considering. So close to an assist at the end.
Connor Randall N/A
Not on long enough, but good to see him get a run.
It was Randall, not Smith.
Frimino, Countiho and Sturridge are contention for players of the season?
Mig played like the keeper we expect for the past two games!! Well done (credit when due :)
Mignolet must have been amazing to get an 8. A good solid win which keeps us thinking we play we win. A good mentality to have.
Its funny, I usually agree with 90% of Gibbo’s ratings but not so much today. Then again who really gives a shit? Very much an end of season game that didn’t tell us a great deal more than what we already knew. The only important factor of this game was; how does it effect the final? Confidence wise, it was a good run out for Migs, Moreno, Coutinho and Benteke who all equiped themselves well. Phil in particular looked better than he has recently – I don’t think he’s far away from having everything click. We played more to Benteke’s strengths and unsurprisingly he looked a lot more comfortable. Weirdly, I think that was one of Albies better games, he easily looked like the best defender on the pitch. You never know what to predict with Mignolets confidence. He can put two games together brilliantly and then fall apart, but thats better then two shit games back to back. Anyway a solid win and good momentum. Up the reds.
Brannagan’s corner was much better than Milner’s but then again he’s a kid and his everything else isn’t as good as an experienced league winner. My guy Allen’s still better than some bundersliga bitch your gimpy mate with too much time on his hands wants us to sign for centre mid next year.
Anyone who thinks Skrtel and Mignolet are sound on the back of that glorified friendly are loser nerds with no mates. A lovely day in the sun on the tins. Nothing more, nothing less.
I can’t recall Allen having a poor game under Klopp, even when the team as a whole has been poor. Watching him arrive late in the box to finish Benteke’s knock down was the last piece in the puzzle: he can pass, he can tackle and now he can score – what more do we want from a midfielder? He’s also got the versatility to play both attacking and defensive midfield. When we have lost millions of pounds bringing in players who get to play a handful of games before going out on loan, never to be seen again, I find it amazing we should even consider getting rid of the one player who has consistently fulfilled his function in the team this season.
*All we are saying is give Joe a chance*
It’s a team balance thing. If we didn’t have Allen, who would be saying we need a 5ft 7 midfielder who is neither a defensive groc nor a major goal threat? Height is a big deal when our fullbacks are both under 6ft and we also have Lalana and Coutinho as regulars. When we conceded to Dortmund, Allen had just come on for Hendo and we ended up with Lallana in the 6-yard box.
I’d keep Allen for what he offers off the bench if he was okay with it, but I don’t get why people are so surprised we might let him go.
Credit to Mig for yesterday. If someone had won the game with that kind of brilliance at the other end, we’d be talking about it for ages.