Anyway, anyone done any ratings?
Karius - 5 - Didn't make a save, as per, the only shot on target predictably resulting in a goal. Spent the rest of his time getting a tongue lashing from big Virgil (more on him shortly) for not coming off his line. Even managed to drop a ball in the six yard box.
Gomez - 1st Half 8, 2nd Half 5 - Really was a game of two halves for him. Strong, composed, classy on the ball in the first half as nothing got past him, but he turned into a snivelling dunce in the second. He missed a sitter from a few yards out and defensively fell to pieces later on. Probably tired which is fair enough.
Virgil - 9 - MOTM - I don't know if I've been whipped up by the hysteria and euphoria (here's to you, Woy) of this dream derby debut, but he was a colossus. It was strange to see a defender command and dominate his own backline, as well as the opposition, but that's what we got here. Maybe it's because we're used to the shrinking violets that have occupied that position since Carragher retired, but it really was a joy to behold. Won everything in the air - in both boxes - and could arguably have scored even more than the one he did. If this is his consistent level, he'll be a superstar for us.
Matip - 5.5 - This is a tough one because he was largely untroubled, and I am a fan, but he was jittery. Everything big Virgil wasn't. 50p head, non-committal in challenges, hesitant... Against better opposition he might have been punished.
Robertson - 9 - Ah he was great, wasn't he, the wee lad? The awkward, often troublesome, Bolasie didn't get a sniff, and he thundered into some great challenges. That latter point may be enough to satisfy the bitters, but there was class to his game too. He defended like a don, and showed Moreno how to be a positive influence at both ends of the pitch, whipping in a couple of dangerous balls as well as almost bagging a goal himself after a nice run and powerful effort. Just edged out of MOM by Virgil.
Can - 5.5 - Head is already in Italy. So slow and ponderous on the ball, and couldn't be arsed tracking back for their goal, so much so that he was outpaced by the glacial Sigurdsson. Can't really think of anything positive that he did. He sent someone the gym in the second half. Meh.
Milner - 7 - Tried hard and is always a willing runner, but that's usually a precursor to saying that player lacks skill or talent. He has ability, obviously, but this wasn't his best game. Unlike, Can, though, even when things aren't going right for him, he puts himself about. Extra point for a brilliantly taken penalty.
Lallana - 5 - I thought he was muck. Like really bad. Even played a part in their goal, should have stepped off his man or brought him down. He did neither. Extra point for the Calvert-Lewin impression.
Chamberlain - 6.5 - I saw some people in the match thread saying he was terrible. Others saying he was good. He was somewhere in between. A few nice runs promised a lot before the attack fizzled out, and his passing was hit and miss. His athleticism and ability running with the ball is a big help at times, though, even if all it achieves is taking the pressure off our defence and midfield for a little while. What impressed me most, though, was his set piece delivery. Where did that come from? 3 or 4 magnificent balls whipped in, all of which should have resulted in goals had there been better finishing. Whipped in the corner for the winner at the death, too.
Mane - 6 - Was okay, I guess. Not as infuriatingly bad as he has been at times this season, but still not the player he was last season. Tried hard, had a couple of neat turns and runs. Not as good on the left as he is on the right, but that's Salah's position now. He may well have the hump about that, but that's purely conjecture.
Firmino - 6.5 - He'll always give you that defending from the front which is invaluable. He breaks up so many opposition breakaways. Didn't really click for him in an attacking sense, but his work rate and hold up play is always great. I actually wanted him to karate kick Holgate's head off. He probably would get less of a ban doing that than he will do for calling him a crazy son of a bitch, knowing the FA.
Subs:
Solanke - Oh wow. This lad's bad. Haven't seen him trap a ball in all of his appearances for us. Even got a yellow card. Wears short sleeves and gloves and looks like Diego Costa. I don't think it'd be fair for me to rate him.
Wijnaldum - 6 - Bar one shaky pass that put Gomez under pressure, he was a calm head when others around him started to jitter. Has the strength of a brick shithouse when he can be arsed.
Arnold - 6 - Decent little cameo. Few nice touches. Will have plenty of derby matches in the future to make his mark.
