A very good performance overall, and a positive result, which shows that the right set-up and tactics can nullify a superior team. It could be argued that they didn't play that well, but sometimes one thing is the result of the other. We'll find out at Anfield.
Mignolet (7) Couple of heart in mouth moments with one especially badly executed Cruyff turn, but made several good catches and clearances, and made comfortable saves. Won't be happy with the total lack of marking for the corner
Clyne (7) Disciplined and hard-working. He did more defending than attacking but that's understandable. Improved on recent form.
Lovren (8) Should have scored, and was once or twice so far out of position it was comical, but overall a very good display. He cleared out anything that came his way,a nd made one superlative tackle block that looked a certain goal. Impressive.
Sakho (8) One or two head-spinningly stupid passes aside, he was as good against Dortmund as he was against United. Several great interceptions and blocks, and formed a very sturdy defensive wall with Lovren. He still looks as if he's got his boots on the wrong way round at times, and he does not bring a sense of calm at all but if he plays like this all the time, he will be a real asset. But he doesn't, does he? Every couple of games we get a Spurs. And that's the problem. He'll always have one of those game sup his sleeve, which is why he needs replacing.
Moreno (7) Needs to learn when (and how) to tackle, but his pace and strength were very useful. Diligent display and merited his selection
Milner (7) He worked his nuts off all night, and delivered several good set-pieces. Can slot in and do a good job almost anywhere, but his passing is still occasionally awry.
Can (7) Very poor first half, when he looked sloppy and laboured, but huge improvement in his composure and influence in the second, and started to dominate more.
Henderson (3) Bypassed time and again, and couldn't pass straight. Not sure what was wrong with him, but his injury was a blessing. Awful.
Coutinho (7) Not as his magical, willo-the-wisp best, largely because he only really had Origi to aim at, but stll created some great chances and was a threat from the left hand side. Two good efforts well saved.
Lallana (6) Indefatigable pressing and a hugely impressive workrate in general, but not really very inventive or creative with the ball, and never really created much of a threat.
Origi (8) Justified his selection with a hugely impressive display. I don't rate Origi as highly as most seem to, because I have a fondness for strikers who are natural finishers, which I doubt Origi will ever be, but all credit to him, he did exactly what we needed him to; worked hard, ran channels, held the ball up, closed down, and then scored a nice goal out of nothing. Should have had another, but that shouldn't take anything away from him. Well played.
Subs:
Allen (7) Came on and immediately we looked tidier and more coherent. Brought calm along with his usual pressing. Never going to be good enough to start for a team with genuine high ambitions, but his usefulness as a squad option is undeniable on nights like this.
