Liverpool player ratings from 2-0 loss to West Ham: Benteke gets 3/10 in dire display

Posted by

Liverpool fell to a 2-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday afternoon, with Jurgen Klopp left angered by his side’s performance as goals from Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll sealed all three points for the hosts.

The victory for the Hammers moves them above Liverpool in the Premier League standings and up to fifth, while the Reds remain five points adrift of the top four ahead of the remaining fixtures this weekend.

Our friends at top Liverpool blog Empire of the Kop have produced a detailed article in which all of Klopp’s players have been rated out of 10 based on their performances against West Ham. Check it out below.

http://www.empireofthekop.com/2016/01/02/liverpool-player-ratings-v-west-ham-benteke-dreadful-during-horror-show/

GK) Simon Mignolet – 7/10

Can’t be blamed for Antonio’s close-range header or Carroll’s better one, and was solid elsewhere, despite failing to pick up his first clean-sheet after his 16 in 2015. Made a great double-save in the second-half.

DR) Nathaniel Clyne – 5/10

Needed to do better for West Ham’s early goal, when he was beaten at the far post by the winger. Linked up quite well with Ibe on the right, but his pivotal moment came when he didn’t deal with Antonio effectively. Also beaten by Carroll for West Ham’s second, but he was less to blame for this one.

DL) Alberto Moreno – 6/10 (Moreno – 60?)

Continually up and down the left flank, working hard defensively to make a great last ditch tackle on Enner Valencia in the first-half. Moreno was fouled for West Ham’s goal and was hurt, which meant he failed to get back and defend the cross for their opener. Still, the ref must be blamed for that, not the player.

DC) Dejan Lovren – 6.5/10

One of Liverpool’s better performers, in what was a shocking afternoon. Lovren made some good tackles and headers and continued his promising form.

D) Mamadou Sakho – 6/10 (Allen – 80?)

Shaky at the back and struggled to deal with West Ham’s powerful forward line. Gave away some passes early on which set the tone for an uncomfortable showing.

MC) Lucas – 5/10

Replacing the injured Jordan Henderson and taking his captain’s armband to boot, Lucas picked up his customary booking after just 23 minutes. He fluffed a few shooting opportunities and was overrun by the stronger, faster Cheick Kouyate. We badly missed the skipper.

MC) Emre Can – 7.5/10

Some nice touches from Can in the middle, who was superior to his midfield partner Lucas. Curled one against the post late on in the first-half and was undoubtedly one of the few players during the first 45 minutes who did himself justice – smooth in possession and robust in the tackle.

AMR) Jordon Ibe – 6/10

In for Adam Lallana, Ibe had a rasping early shot, showing why Klopp preferred him to the older Englishman who’s been nowhere near clinical enough. Ibe completed some dribbles but couldn’t get in the game enough.

AMC) Roberto Firmino – 5/10 (Lallana – 60?)

Tidy in spots, sloppy in most others, as he was against Sunderland. Firmino ultimately lacked clinical contribution though and dragged a tame shot wide after tidy buildup play. Withdrawn early, seemingly saved for the upcoming fixtures. At this rate, we don’t know what he’s being saved for.

AML) Coutinho – 5/10

Isolated a little on the left, Coutinho struggled to get into the game. He’s more effective in central positions but found it hard to pick them up. Had his customary long-shots, but endured a torrid afternoon. A very good player, but not a world-class one yet by any stretch.

FC) Christian Benteke – 3/10

On the back of two goals in two games, Benteke’s touch deserted him early on and he provided little movement for his attacking midfielders. He fluffed an easy chance in the second, as Twitter ridiculed him for a lifeless performance. Every time the ball came to him he made a poor decision, lacked fight and his efforts on goal were atrocious. Really worrying.

SUBS:

Lallana – 5/10 – Offered nothing.

Smith – 7/10 – Promising. Offered himself regularly in the final third.

Allen – n/a

More Stories Adam Lallana Alberto Moreno Brad Smith Christian Benteke Dejan Lovren Emre Can joe allen Jordon Ibe Lucas Mamadou Sakho nathaniel clyne Philippe Coutinho Roberto Firmino simon mignolet