I thought, football wise, that was our best performance of the season. No real striker, though, killed us.
Jones 6; Heart in mouth stuff. Thought he could have done better for their first but had no chance on their second. Far more accomplished on the ground than Ming, a little better when the ball comes in the area but not much. Certainly not as good a shot stopper. Good save at the end which saved us a point and my laptop from getting smashed.
Sakho 7.5; I'll hear other comments but I thought he was really good. Some great tackles and was really impressed with his passing. He's got less pace than Sami and Carra's genetic offspring but thought he was really good, accomplished and a presence on that side. Very encouraged.
Skrtel 7; I don't know how much blame to give him for the goal. Certainly should have done better but also should have had some help. Thought he was pretty strong for the rest of the game and gets and extra point for the equaliser with what was, frankly, an excellent header.
Toure 6.5; Few nervy moments but otherwise I thought he played well. Tried to role past opponents a few times and lost the ball which wasn't so good but no real errors though he was caught a little short with their second. He does bring an organisational voice to our backline.
Markovic 7; Didn't end up with an end product but really starting to show why he was such a good signing. I missed it if it was explained - why did he come off? Had one really good chance and another fair chance in the first half, ran at the defense, linked up beautifully with Coutinho and Sterling on occasions. Lost the ball a couple of times trying to take them on but that's what happens when you try to take the game on. Looked really good.
Henderson 6; I reckon I'm being generous here. Got an assist when Coutinho still had a lot to do for the opener but it was a good ball in traffic and deserves credit. Thought he was utterly AWOL for their equaliser and really did nothing else all game until the last 15 when, stretched, his energy started to come to the fore. He's got a big role to play for us in the future but he's not justifying his place right now.
Lucas 7.5; I'd have given him an 8 until the last 10 minutes when he either started to lose concentration or was really tired. Excellent first half where he kept us very solid, recycled the ball quickly and helped get players into space. Good effort which should have had us a corner was followed by an exceptional run, touch and shot which would have been goal of the week but missed by a fraction.
Gerrard 6.5; Also good. Some of those saying he shouldn't be on the pitch need to have a look at themselves. Thought he was very controlled in midfield, got in some good tackles and his shooting boots seem to be coming back - albeit slowly. One thing missing was some of his laser style passing which left him completely in the first 15 minutes and was erratic otherwise.
Lallana 7.5; My MOM. He'd have had an 8 as well if it wasn't for the fact he also tired and disappeared for 15 minutes before the final onslaught. I said in the match thread, some of his little cameos are reminiscent of Suarez; his turns, tight control, movement, work rate and technique with both feet are a joy to watch.
Coutinho 7; Also good. Constantly giving them a nightmare when on the ball, well taken goal which he did a lot himself and also got in their face which I really liked. Had the chance, though, to be an absolute hero but missed a couple of very gettable chances with a cuffed shot straight into the ground. If he can get that sorted he'll be a very complete player.
Sterling 6; Seems harsh giving him a 6 cause he worked his socks off. Looked a little lost in the central role on this one though and he was effectively closed down by their back line. Was a lot more effective when he shifted out wide with Borini's introduction.
Subs
Borini 5; Did what he's always done. Ran hard, chased lost causes, worked, found space but did nothing with it. Stupid first yellow and an atrocious second which could have been a straight red. Surely his last game for us
Lambert 5.5; Had a very limited opportunity and didn't really make it count . Wished he'd had the header rather than Borini but, ultimately, he's our third ranked striker and emphasises the fact we needed to buy better in that area in the summer.
Rodgers 7; Thought the side played for him and it was a good side he put out. People can say what they like about our backline but, really, we looked very solid and in control against a very good passing team but for two errors - both of which cost us. Ultimately he's paying the price for relying too heavily on Sturridge. Had he been able to put a fit Daniel on the pitch we win that match, IMO, quite comfortably. He desperately needs January - or Sturridge fit - or both.
