Liverpool were the 2-0 winners of an historic first European meeting between them and Manchester United as Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino scored the goals at Anfield.
It was a night that our friends at Empire of the Kop won’t be forgetting in a hurry. Below, you can read their player ratings, as the Reds put one foot into the Europa League quarter-finals.
GK: Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Had almost nothing to do all evening aside from one straightforward save from Morgan Schneiderlin.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne – 8/10
The England international was outstanding. He added an attacking element to his rock-solid defensive game which has not always been there this season, winning the penalty which Sturridge converted.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 7/10
A third good game in a row since returning from injury for the Croatian. Mistake free and commanding in the air, could we finally be seeing the player which we spent all that money on a couple of years ago?
CB: Mamadou Sakho – 6/10
Was pretty decent, although one spectacular fumbling of feet nearly gifted a chance to Juan Mata.
LB: Alberto Moreno – 7/10
The Spaniard’s pace was very important as he cut off a few United counter-attacks before they got going.
CM: Emre Can – 7/10
Kept things pretty simple on the ball tonight and provided us with a great physical presence in midfield.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 8/10
This was certainly Henderson’s best performance since his return from injury. He regained possession 13 times as he charged around the pitch like a man possessed. Could have scored with a second-half chance.
AMR: Adam Lallana – 9/10
Lallana is enjoying the best form of his Liverpool career and you can tell, because he is playing with great confidence. Some of his footwork was a joy to behold and, crucially, it led to Firmino’s goal.
AMC: Roberto Firmino – 8/10
Another game, another goal for the summer signing, who now has nine in his last 13 games. His general play was also impressive as he intelligently brought other members of the attack into the fold.
SEE MORE: Roberto Firmino goal video: Michael Carrick assists Brazilian who extends scoring run
AML: Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
Guillermo Varela appeared to be doing a man-marking job on the Brazilian in the first half and so he did not always have the room that he needed to thrive. Still, very elegant on the ball as usual.
ST: Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
The striker took on the responsibility of taking the penalty and found a way past David de Gea, who, it has to be said, had a very fine game. Still a bit rusty and substituted in the second half.
Substitutes
Joe Allen – 7/10
The Welshman may have been disappointed to have been overlooked once James Milner was ruled out, and he was a bundle of energy as he aimed to prove to Jurgen Klopp he should have a bigger role to play.
Divock Origi – N/a
Replaced Firmino for the final five minutes – not long enough to have an impact.
SEE ALSO:
(Video) Sturridge makes amends for cup-final shyness as classy penalty punishes Man United
Liverpool and Man United combined XI: Red Devils edge out rivals 6-5 ahead of crunch clash
UEFA bends rules to do Manchester United favour ahead of Europa League tie with Liverpool