Liverpool blew a two-goal lead against Bournemouth to lose 4-3 in an entertaining Premier League encounter. Here is how their players rated.
GK: Loris Karius (4/10) – An unorthodox stop after 69 minutes when the score was 3-1. Karius had little chance to save Callum Wilson’s penalty, but appeared flustered for Bournemouth’s other goals, particularly his failure to hold the game’s winner. A poor showing from Liverpool’s first choice.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne (7/10) – At his penetrative best, typified by providing an excellent cross in the ninth minute, which should have been converted by Divock Origi. Clyne experienced a quieter second half but remained dominant against Bournemouth’s left hand side.
CB: Lucas Leiva (5/10) – Comfortable in possession throughout the first half, although when Bournemouth applied more pressure in the second period Lucas looked uncomfortable in his central defensive role.
CB: Dejan Lovren (5/10) – The Croatian international looks more confident with Joel Matip partnered alongside him. Against Bournemouth, Lovren’s positioning was poor and the Croatian international was outfought by the likes of Wilson and Benik Afobe.
LB: James Milner (6/10) – Got forward well and with the exception of conceding the penalty, contained Bournemouth’s attacking threats on Liverpool’s left. Despite his professionalism, Milner is not Liverpool’s long-term answer at left-back.
CM: Jordan Henderson (6/10) – The England man put forth a disciplined performance, enabling midfield partner Emre Can to get forward. Henderson was booked in the 52nd minute for a late challenge on Junior Stanislas, and perhaps needed a little more second-half support in central midfield.
CM: Emre Can (8/10) – The Germany international is slowly becoming one of the most important cogs in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool machine. Can’s well-taken strike from the edge of the area gave Liverpool a 3-1 lead just after the hour mark. Can’s performance was only dampened by a late caution.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum (6/10) – Like Liverpool, Wijnaldum’s first half display was impressive and the summer signing from Newcastle proved to be the link between defence and attack. However, Wijinaldum’s influence on the game diminished in the second half.
FW: Sadio Mane (7/10) – Upon scoring the game’s opener, Mane became Liverpool’s leading scorer of the season with his seventh goal of the campaign. Mane’s pace and movement caused Bournemouth no end of problems, until his withdrawal for the returning Adam Lallana (6/10) on 68 minutes.
FW: Roberto Firmino (6/10) – The Brazilian forward did not look to be 100 per cent fit and drifted in and out of the encounter. After an encouraging start, Firmino failed to impact on the game in the second half, despite his efforts and trickery.
FW: Divock Origi (7/10) – Should have scored in the first ten minutes, but Origi could not direct Clyne’s cross into the net. More than made amends with an outstanding finish from wide in the 21st minute, to make the score 2-0. Almost won the game for Liverpool with an spin and volley following a late corner.
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