Liverpool withheld a strong first-half Everton showing to secure their first 1-0 Premier League victory of 2016. Here’s how Jurgen Klopp’s players rated.
GK: Simon Mignolet (7/10) – Having retained his place after being recalled in Liverpool’s previous fixture, Mignolet looked assured when called upon – especially when put under plenty of attacking pressure by Everton in the first period. Once Liverpool took control of the game after the break, Mignolet was reduced to the role of spectator.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne (7/10) – The marauding full back got forward at every opportunity but was not able to break through the tracking of his direct opponent, the resilient Leyton Baines.
CB: Dejan Lovren (7/10) – A 55th minute cynical block on Everton forward Romelu Lukaku exemplified Lovren’s approach to the clash, whilst simultaneously providing the 27-year-old with a caution. The Croatia international defender won many aerial challenges and was ruthless in his efforts, but may have been lucky to escape a second yellow card after a shove on Ross Barkley, just ten minutes after his first.
CB: Ragnar Klavan (5/10) – Another below par showing from Klavan, who struggled against Lukaku. Everton clearly targeted Liverpool’s left sided defenders of Klavan and Milner throughout the encounter. Jurgen Klopp may be hopeful that the impressive Joel Matip returns to the first team as soon as possible.
LB: James Milner (6/10) – Liverpool’s ‘Mr Reliable’ looked a little flustered during Everton’s intense spell of first half pressure and never appeared comfortable on the outside of Klavan. Regardless of his ever-present professionalism and discipline, a foul throw and numerous stray crosses from the left typified Milner’s out-of-sought performance against Everton.
CM: Jordan Henderson (7/10) – The Liverpool captain is yet to taste defeat in a Merseyside derby but certainly tasted the full force of an awful challenge from Everton’s Ross Barkley in the second half. Henderson’s ankle visibly caused the England international issues for the remaining 25 minutes; containing Henderson’s effectiveness in the process.
CM: Adam Lallana (7/10) – The 28-year-old is fast becoming one of Liverpool’s most important and effective components. Against Everton, Lallana consistently twisted and turned and showed his industrial best – but was unable to provide any significant impact on the score line. Lallana was substituted for the returning Emre Can with just over ten minutes remaining.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum (6/10) – Yet to score away from home in the Premier League and his wayward 26th minute strike from the edge of the area may suggest why. Wijnaldum’s efforts and passing game was satisfactory but by no means standout. A possible contender to lose his place in the staring XI once Can returns to full fitness.
AM: Sadio Mane (7.5/10) – A constant threat with his movement and pace, but Mane’s energy in the final third was not matched with the necessary quality on the final ball, despite creating his own potential goal scoring chances. Mane failed to find his teammates on a handful of occasions when involved in Liverpool’s build up play – but his awareness and alertness was enough to see the Senegalese convert the winning goal via a tap in after a Daniel Sturridge shot returned from the post.
AM: Roberto Firmino (6.5/10) – Had a great opportunity to put Liverpool ahead just after the break, but seemed to ponder rather than execute the more clinical finish required. The Brazilian, despite his impressive volleyed attempt on goal after 79 minutes, remained on the periphery of a game that his ability had the potential to decide.
FW: Divock Origi (6.5/10) – The on form forward had scored in the last four Premier League matches for Liverpool, however this derby would halt his purple patch. Origi had a decent opportunity to break the game’s deadlock on 36 minutes but fired high and wide from inside the area. The 21-year-old was monitored well by Everton’s Ramiro Funes Mori and was ultimately replaced by Daniel Sturridge in the 82nd minute.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
