Liverpool player ratings following 1-1 draw with Man United: 9/10 Coutinho seals LVG’s fate

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Liverpool progressed in the Europa League ahead of Manchester United this past Thursday night, with Philippe Coutinho helping his side to a 1-1 draw on the night, clinching a 3-1 aggregate victory over the two legs.

Our friends at Empire of the Kop have provided us with player ratings for the game, check them out below:

http://www.empireofthekop.com/2016/03/17/liverpool-player-ratings-v-man-united-sakho-sensational-coutinho-great/

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GK) Simon Mignolet – 7.5/10

Made a terrific save from Anthony Martial early on and was solid during the 90, especially when United pressed early on. Can’t be blamed for the penalty. Mignolet’s been good recently. Needs congratulating for it.

DR) Nathaniel Clyne – 5/10

A very rare off night for Clyne who’s normally a measure of consistency. He was torn apart by Martial, who to be fair, was terrific, hacking the Frenchman down for a penalty in the first-half.

DL) James Milner – 8/10

Coming in and playing in a very unnatural left-back position, Milner excelled. He got up and down the pitch all night, tackled hard and looked a more composed fullback than his opposite number.

DC) Mamadou Sakho – 9/10

If we hadn’t have conceded (not that that was his fault) Sakho’s getting a 10/10 tonight. He genuinely made a tackle or interception every time United came forward with the ball. The Frenchman was like a magnet to the ball, as the commentators kept reminding us. Man mountain.

DC) Dejan Lovren – 7/10

A calm, composed night when his partner was phenomenal. Still, that’s often all you ask for in a centre-back. Lovren good again.

MC) Emre Can – 8/10

Emre Can’s excellent run of form rolls on. What a midfielder this guy’s going to be! In fact, he already is. Outfought Fellaini and Carrick in the middle and created us a platform in the second-half from which we should have scored more.

MC) Jordan Henderson – 7/10 (Allen 71?)

Better from the skipper, who’s been quiet of late. Henderson harried and pressed but passed better than he has recently too. Promising.

AMR) Adam Lallana – 7.5/10

Lallana’s feet get silkier by the game. The midfielder maintained possession even in the stickiest of situations, but he didn’t show that ruthless streak in the final third. The rest of his game was great.

AML) Coutinho – 9/10

His goal alone deserves the 9/10, although his second-half was brilliant. The best thing about Coutinho’s effort wasn’t leaving Varela for dead or dinking over De Gea – it was the fact it arrived at a crucial time in a big game. That goal won us the tie. After that point, he should have bagged himself a hat-trick, but if he could finish – he’d be Lionel Messi!

AMC) Roberto Firmino – 7/10 (Benteke 83?)

A vital part of the cog, Firmino drew defenders out of position and showed his excellent touch throughout. No goal tonight, but his work-rate helped.

FC) Daniel Sturridge – 6/10 (Origi – 68?)

Often gave the ball away during counter-attacks and lacked the bite of his team-mates. Smacked the bar with a wonderful free-kick, but sulked after being subbed after 68 minutes. It’s not about you Sturridge, it’s about the team.

SUBS:

Divock Origi – 7/10 – His pace and legs helps stretch tired defenders. On current form, Sturridge will do well to keep his place.

Joe Allen – 6/10 – Calms us down when he comes on. Klopp’s favourite sub.

Christian Benteke – 6/10 – Looked sharp when he came on. Sadly, it may be too little too late.

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