A delighted Jurgen Klopp secured his first victory as Liverpool manager as the Reds bested Bournemouth to advance in the Capital One Cup.
It wasn’t a five-star performance by any stretch of the imagination, but Nathaniel Clyne’s first-half effort was enough for the German coach to end his three-game run of draws.
There were several positives for the Merseyside giants to take from Wednesday evening’s fixture, and a handful of key performers; here are our Liverpool player ratings.
Adam Bogdan – 8/10
A handful of excellent saves, particularly from Junior Stanislas early on. Could Bogdan put pressure on Simon Mignolet for a starting berth between the sticks?
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10
The match winner on the day, and demonstrated his versatility by switching over to the left flank. Will likely be a key man under Klopp.
Kolo Toure – 5.5/10
Replaced with a hamstring injury just after the half-hour mark, missing an opportunity to impress.
Connor Randall – 7/10
The youngster impressed in defence, and might be given more game time should Klopp look to turn to youth over the coming months.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Recalled to the team for his first game under Klopp, but, with Mamadou Sakho watching on, was again far from his Southampton best. Improved as the game wore on.
Cameron Brannagan – 6/10
Big occasion for the youngster, and while he looked slightly lightweight, there were a few nice touches…enough to suggest he might be given more of an opportunity moving forward.
Joe Allen – 6.5/10
A tidy performance from Allen, who kept things ticking over in the middle of the park. Will be hoping that he did enough to convince Klopp to give him a key role in the side moving forward.
Jordon Ibe – 7.5/10
His best performance of the season by some distance. Portions of the Liverpool fanbase have been hoping that Ibe will be given his chance to shine under Klopp, and on the back of this showing, he can likely expect a run in the first team.
Divock Origi – 6/10
There were a few explosive moments from the Belgian frontman, but overall, Origi still hasn’t convinced that he can be a bona fide Liverpool frontman. Decision-making must improve.
Joao Teixeira – 7.5/10
Not exactly a team player based on tonight, but that can be forgiven. Teixeira was superb with a series of silky touches, fine set pieces and audacious skills and Klopp will surely have been impressed.
Roberto Firminio – 8/10
The night that Firmino arrived at Anfield; a series of excellent touches and the kind of vision that has too often been missing from Liverpool’s forward line in recent times. Klopp has a gem on his hands.
Substitutes
Martin Skrtel – 6/10
Replaced Toure early on and wasn’t particularly troubled by the Bournemouth forwards.
Lucas – 6.5/10
In excellent form at the moment, and came on to great effect in the latter stages, closing down the contest as Liverpool cruised to victory.
Adam Lallana – n/a
Little time to influence the game as a late replacement.