The Reds took part in a very physical game against Championship Blackburn…
Liverpool were unable to break down a stubborn Blackburn side in their FA Cup quarter final at Anfield, meaning they will have to go to Ewood Park to do it all again in a replay.
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Here’s how the Reds players rated:
GK – Simon Mignolet – 7
Pulled off an incredible save from a Blackburn header and kept the Rovers attack at bay with an impressive performance from the re-invigorated Belgian
CB – Glen Johnson – 5
Had reasonably little to do in the game, though he was troubled by Gestede’s physical presence as in aerial challenges.
CB – Martin Skrtel (Toure 11′) – 6
Made next to no impression on the game after falling badly after two minutes and another nine minutes of treatment on the pitch.
CB – Dejan Lovren – 6
Again, had very little to do but repelled the majority of Blackburn attacks but for the main part of the game the Croatian was a spectator.
RWB – Lazar Markovic (Balotelli 59′) – 5
Very little impetus going forward. It would be harsh to blame him entirely as a lot of it was due to a lack of intensity in the team, but Markovic didn’t grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
CM – Emre Can – 6
Did what was asked of him, but he wasn’t really tested. Liverpool fans would have hoped for a few more classy passes and dictation of the play they have come to expect from the slick-haired player.
CM – Jordan Henderson – 6
Similar to Can, Henderson didn’t really have an impact on the game. He attempted to assert himself physically, but was fighting a losing battle against the tough tackling Championship outfit.
LWB – Raheem Sterling – 7
Looked lively and always showed a spark which could have undone the resolute defence of Blackburn. The England winger lacked end product though.
AMCR – Adam Lallana – 6
Unable to play a creative game against a side who game him very little time on the ball, although he did well recycling the ball.
AMCL – Philippe Coutinho – 5
Practically invisible in the match where he seemed to be outmuscled and looked out of place in the physicality of the game. Coutinho didn’t have time to get his foot on the ball and dictate as he wanted.
ST – Daniel Sturridge – 6
His game is largely dictated by service, of which today he received none and as a result the striker had little impact.
Subs:
Kolo Toure – 7
A good game for the defender who revelled in the tough, physical aspects. Scored a disallowed goal, hit the post and generally made a nuisance of himself in both boxes.
Mario Balotelli – 6
Might have felt unlucky not to be given a penalty after coming on after having his shirt pulled, but didn’t get any service.