Player ratings as Liverpool begin post-Suarez era with untidy victory.
Liverpool limped over the line in their opening game of the 2014-15 season, beating Southampton 2-1 at Anfield in a scrappy affair.
Raheem Sterling gave the Reds the lead midway through the first half, before Nathaniel Clyne levelled the match 11 minutes after the interval.
Daniel Sturridge then rescued a below-par Liverpool, who survived a late scare when Morgan Schneiderlin hit the crossbar and Shane Long missed a glorious chance from the subsequent rebound.
Here’s how Brendan Rodgers’ side rated:
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Struggled with a couple of high balls. Does not fill Liverpool fans with confidence, but made a top save to deny Schneiderlin late on.
Right-back Javier Manquillo – 5/10
A bit too keen to impress on his debut. His excessive enthusiasm led to him picking up a yellow card in the first half.
Left-back: Glen Johnson – 5/10
Liverpool got penned in on multiple occasions in the second half. As a result, Liverpool defended with a very narrow back four and Johnson did not look at all convincing.
Centre-back: Martin Skrtel – 8/10
Without Skrtel, Liverpool would have lost. The Slovakia international held the Reds’ shaky backline together. He made a terrific last ditch tackle and won several key headers.
Centre-back: Dejan Lovren – 4/10
Sluggish and indecisive. Did not look anything like a £20m player, but many good players have poor debuts…
Midfield: Steven Gerrard – 6/10
Looked classy when he got on the ball in deep positions.
Midfield: Lucas Leiva – 4/10
Got caught ball-watching for Southampton’s equaliser. Ineffective in an attacking sense and rightly replaced by Joe Allen just after the hour mark.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
A perfect balance of grit and guile. His assist for Sterling’s opener was superb, winning the ball with a strong tackle, before splitting the Saints defence with a delightful through pass.
Attacking midfield: Philippe Coutinho – 4/10
Below par. Very little spark in attack. His lack of tracking back allowed Southampton to enjoy periods of midfield domination.
Attacking midfield: Raheem Sterling – 8/10
Showed composure and class to put Liverpool ahead, then displayed desire and commitment to win the header which set up Sturridge’s winner.
Forward: Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Generally quiet, but in the right place at the right time to get his team out of trouble.
Subs:
Joe Allen – 5/10
Rickie Lambert – 6/10
SEE ALSO:
The best Premier League players 2014/15.
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