Well, I think we all enjoyed that. The game itself was quite weird. United played far better and were more aggressive than the first leg, but while we all expected that, we didn't really cope with it very well in the opening 40 minutes, with United on top and our team looking very nervous and making silly mistakes. That said, we still probably created more chances. Coutinho's magical goal changed that, though. A lot of the fight and all the belief simply evaporated from United and their fans, not helped by LVG's strange substitutions. We really should have scored two or three more, and an aggregate score of 5 or 6-1 would not have been overly flattering.
Really odd that the game actually finished as a draw, because it did feel like a win.
Mignolet (7) One great save from his own error, and the occasional poor clearance, but overall pretty solid and got rid quicker, rather than fannying about.
Clyne (4) Had a great first leg, and a poor second. Martial is a quick, talented player, but Clyne should have dealt with him better. Several clumsy challenges and gave away the penalty in a nervy, error-strewn display. Strange, given his overall very high level of consistency this season.
Lovren (8) Composed, no-frills display from the Croat, who was strong in the tackle, won lots of headers and passed it well.
Sakho (9) The enigmatic Sakho can generate nervous excitement with or without the ball, and last night was no exception. But he actually didn't really put a foot wrong. He made several thunderous tackles and interceptions, cleared everything that came his way, and also passed with superb accuracy. One of his finest games at Liverpool.
Milner (7) Started a little shakily, but improved and put in his usual shift of tireless industry, versatility and economy. A very valuable player for any team.
Henderson (6) Usual running power and some crisp passing, but his finishing remains woeful and he still struggles to really stamp his authority onto a game.
Can (8) Another great physical battle with Fellaini, but he also has a lovely touch, nice range of passing and pleasing flashes of inspiration (that back heel). Looking very impressive indeed.
Coutinho (8) The diminutive Brazilian playmaker showed his most frustrating, beguiling and beautiful aspects in this game. So sloppy at times in the first half, he then almost ended Varela's career at United with a turn and run, and then chipped the sprawling De Gea for the goal that killed the tie. He created several opportunities for himself and others, and tormented United in the second half. Some of his vision and weighted passes were eye-wateringly good.
Lallana (6) Not his greatest night and at times he was anonymous. Didn't do enough to hurt United, although his work rate was, as ever, impressive. Made most of his contributions by holding onto the ball too long and eventually getting fouled.
Firmino (6). Another whose fine recent form dipped a little, but like Lallana, his industry was always a bonus, even if some of his passing was wasteful.
Sturridge (5) A lacklustre, mediocre display. Hit the bar with one vicious effort, but too wasteful and didn't look anything like as dangerous as he should. Rightly subbed.
Subs:
Origi (6) Seems to be Klopp's "go to guy" when he needs someone to run around and tire out a leggy defence, but I'm not sure if he'd be the right choice if he had to come on and actually score a goal.
