CaughtOffside rates the Liverpool players for their performances against Stoke City…
Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City – Glen Johnson headed a dramatic late winner as the Reds took a vital three points at Anfield. The under-fire full-back received a cut on his head for his troubles, but will surely be delighted nonetheless.
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After a turgid first-half with few chances for either side, Liverpool steadily began to assert themselves on the game, and deservedly struck with a couple of minutes remaining. Bojan missed a late chance for the visitors.
Read the full Liverpool ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 7
The under-pressure goalkeeper had little too do for much of the afternoon, but was forced into making one good save as he came out to smother the on rushing Mame Biram Diouf, and was on hand again to stop Bojan in stoppage time.
RB) Glen Johnson – 7
Sloppy in possession, and could have cost his team with an error on the edge of his own penalty area. But all of that will be forgotten after his dramatic late winner.
LB) Jose Enrique – 6
The best performance from the Spaniard since his return from injury. Expect plenty of celebratory pictures on social media from the full-back later tonight.
CB) Martin Skrtel – 6
Steady performance from the Slovakian, who was solid defensively and helped ensure a rare clean sheet.
CB) Kolo Toure – 6
A decent performance from the Ivorian, and one that could see £20m man Dejan Lovren staying put on the bench for the time being.
DM) Lucas – 8
Strong performance from the ever-reliable Brazilian, who was a strong and reassuring presence in front of the back four. Replaced by Gerrard as Liverpool pushed for a winner.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 6
Steady and controlled performance in midfield. Captained the team, and led his players well in the heat of the midfield. Good intensity moving forward
CM) Joe Allen – 6
Missed from close range as Liverpool pushed forward in the second half. Passing was reliable and kept the team ticking over.
RW) Raheem Sterling – 7
Caused Stoke problems, particularly in the second-half, and came close with one shot across goal. One crucial goal-line clearance at the other end.
LW) Philippe Coutinho – 6
Linked up well with Sterling and made a couple of decent runs from midfield. Replaced late on as Liverpool protected their lead.
ST) Rickie Lambert – 6
Came close to scoring for a third game in succession as his header struck the bar. Thankfully, Glen Johnson was on hand for the rebound.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers – 7
Has drawn plenty of criticism in recent weeks, but his team responded well today, and deserved the three points after a strong second-half performance.
Subs:
1) Steven Gerrard – 6 – Reduced to a substitute’s role on the 16th anniversary of his club debut, but looked sharp late on.
2) Dejan Lovren – 6 – Saw out the final few minutes as Liverpool hang on to their win.
SEE ALSO: The Best Liverpool goals.