I thought it was a very uneven performance; some players did very well and some rather poorly. Here are my ratings and a few observations:
Mignolet 6.5 – He has noticeably simplified his ground game, just clearing the ball upfield every time he has a chance to do so. That simplification has removed what used to be a drain on his confidence and his overall game got back to last season's level. Negatives: once badly flapped on a corner (came out nowhere near the ball), doesn't catch shots from distance cleanly even when they are straight at him (I wonder if teams will try to exploit it), his clearances upfield gave up possession every single time. I'm afraid his style of goalkeeping doesn't suit this team and efforts to make Mignolet into something he's not have clearly failed. For this particular game he gets a good grade for a top-notch save from Benteke and catching the ball cleanly from most corners and crosses (toothless "floating" deliveries from Villa players helped). But overall we need better.
Moreno 5.5 – got overrun on his flank by Hutton. Positioning, tackling still below average.
Sakho 6.5 – typically composed and powerful performance. One blemish was a rash decision to come out when he couldn't possibly have won the ball which led to the Benteke chance (Moreno probably should have covered).
Skrtel 7.0 – strong and almost error-free performance by the big Slovak.
Can 6.5 – Mr. Calm, always finding a clever way to play out of the back.
Markovic 6.5 – did better than Moreno defensively, nothing quite clicked for him in attack, but he looked threatening and inventive
Lucas 7.5 – top-notch performance. I was amazed how high he was pressing at times (and then promptly returned to position), he sure does cover more ground than at the beginning of the season. Read the game superbly – I couldn't help but cheer and clap when he moved like a flash to press an opponent before his partner even passed the ball to him, he just read and anticipated the decision. This is Lucas at his best. He even should have scored if not for an incredible save by Guzan.
Henderson 7.0 – Mr. Assist. Smart and controlled with a few nice touches.
Coutinho 6.5 – ran the show, although it was not his best game. Maybe I'm being unfair, but I prefer Lallana in away games.
Sterling 6.0 – a bit rusty and subdued. His head still seems to be on vacation. Should have scored his 1 on 1 or at least tested the keeper better. Still got an assist.
Borini 5.0 – infuriatingly, irredeemably mediocre player. I gave him 1 full extra point for the goal, otherwise it would have been a 4. He didn't press, he lost the ball every single time he was challenged, he got caught offside too much. OK, I get it, Fabio – you don't have any special physical talent. But I thought you would compensate it by working hard and by having a brain of a top player; unfortunately I see no evidence of either. That time he didn't play the simplest of passes to Coutinho who was wide open, there is just no excuse for that, any decent player should make that pass with eyes closed. I wanted Borini to be given a run up front until Sturridge returns, now I've changed my mind (despite the goal). Please fuck off.
SUBS:
Lambert 6.5 – a real striker's goal. He is a good player to bring off the bench in certain games.
Enrique 6.0 – more or less stopped the flow of attacks down our left that Moreno was unable to shut down. Or maybe Villa just tired. In any case, a useful cameo and a good sub from Rodgers.
Ibe 6.0 – not given much time, but I liked everything he did; every touch was purposeful and confident. I want to see more of this player. He might even be a baller.
Rodgers 6.5 – he selected the starting 11 I wanted to see, but once the gap in quality between Borini and his teammates because as obvious and wide as a grand canyon, he should have subbed his off earlier. I hope from now on he plays Sterling up front (until Sturridge is back, obviously), which will open up 1 space in attacking midfield for Lallana, Gerrard or Ibe.
Away fans: 10.0 – I heard them all game, they were great and maybe that's why players couldn't wait to celebrate with them.
