Liverpool made it through to the third round of the EFL Cup thanks to a 5-0 win over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
Liverpool’s Divock Origi scores their first goal
Liverpool secured their passage to the third round of the EFL Cup thanks to a 5-0 win over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium
Goals from Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino, an own goal from Tom Naylor and two from Daniel Sturridge ensured the Reds made it through safely as they got back to winning ways following the disappointing defeat to Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend.
It was the perfect response as Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp showed his intent with the competition by making four changes from the defeat at Turf Moor and naming a very strong line-up. Sadio Mane returned from a slight shoulder injury while Joel Matip was handed his full debut at centre-back. Divock Origi and Emre Can both made their first starts of the season but were slight injury concerns come the end of the evening.
Overall, it was a positive and comfortable night for Liverpool and they looked as if they had more to give. Here’s how each individual rated:
Simon Mignolet – Made one terrific punch, then missed one later when the game was over as a contest. Nothing else to do – N/A
Nathaniel Clyne – Terrific ball and showed great pace for Firmino goal. He seems to benefit from having Mane ahead of him. Not much for him to do in the way of defending but looked very promising going forward – 7
Dejan Lovren – Perhaps a little fortunate not to give away a penalty early on, and his shooting still needs work but then again he’s a defender. Pre-season work with Matip seems to have helped develop an understanding at the heart of the defence – 6
Joel Matip – As trouble free a debut as he could have wished for. Comfortable on the ball, seemed at home with Lovren alongside him. His sheer size meant they went nowhere near him, and managed to register a late goal line clearance – 6
Liverpool’s Joel Matip in action with Burton Albion’s Marcus Harness
James Milner – His contribution to the opening goal will perhaps be overlooked, good overlapping and two chances to get the ball in. Lovely work for the fourth goal with Mane and then setting up Sturridge when freedom was allowed to, and found his range from a corner – 7
Emre Can – He’d try and claim the third but it’s an own goal. A little worrying when he went down in pain and was withdrawn. He made a difference being the deepest midfielder and offers that presence in the middle of the park they’d like, so a lot of fingers will be crossed in the hope his injury is not much to worry about – 7
Jordan Henderson – Looked relieved to not be playing in the holding role, Lallana should’ve headed home delicious looking ball he provided in the first half. Still plenty of room for improvement – 6
Adam Lallana – Should’ve done better with a headed chance, linked well with others but a pretty quiet display before his withdrawal – 6
Roberto Firmino – Saw one headed chance saved, took the other well. Enjoyed the free role he had, created for others and with a fair bit left in the tank – 8
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scores their second goal
Sadio Mane – Found pockets of space early on, intelligent use of the ball, wonderful composure for the opening goal, unlucky not to get a penalty before half-time. Another assist to his name for Sturridge’s second, and covered so much ground. You have to wonder how much he was missed at the weekend – 8
Divock Origi – Probably should have scored with his opening chance, could’ve had a hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes but managed to get his goal with a tap in. Busy but it would be a shame if he’s held back because of an injury late on, even if it did look like it was just cramp – 7
Substitutes:
Giorginio Wijnaldum – Still has the look of player finding his feet with the ball getting trapped under his feet. Nothing remarkable or wrong with his performance – 5
Daniel Sturridge – About as good as a substitute’s performance you could have. Two very different goals but both typical of a striker in a tap in and a low drive. Showed some nice touches as well – 8
Kevin Stewart – Made one clearance in the danger zone. Had a couple of touches – the kind of performances you’d expect from him over the course of a season – 6
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge scores their fifth goal
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