When it looked like the same old story for Liverpool, the Brazilian boys stepped up and ensured a brilliant comeback against Stoke City. Liverpool won 2-1 at Stoke after trailing for the first 70 minutes. Jonathan Walters scored Stoke’s opener on the stroke of half-time as the boyhood Everton fan continued to haunt the Reds.
Jürgen Klopp named a relatively young side as he gave the duo of Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold surprise starts. Liverpool played the first half in a 3-4-3 formation as the visiting side kept the likes of Coutinho and Firmino on the bench. This duo came to Liverpool’s rescue as Coutinho first equalised with a neat finish and then Roberto Firmino scored a blinder to send the away section into euphoria. On that note, here are the Liverpool player ratings after their inspired performance against the Potters.
Liverpool player ratings
Simon Mignolet (8.5/10): After a quiet first half, Mignolet had a lot to do in the second. He could not do anything for the goal conceded but then produced two sensational saves to deny Charlie Adam and Saido Berahino and keep Liverpool in the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10): He was employed as a right wing back and was pinned back by Marko Arnautovic. When he went forward, he looked the most influential as his crosses always looked dangerous.
Dejan Lovren (5.5/10): Can be said as Liverpool’s most inconsistent player currently. He was poor against the Potters and was at fault for their goal where his positioning was questionable.
Joel Matip (5.5/10): One of Matip’s worst games in a red shirt. He looked nervous in a back three and committed errors which are not expected from him.
Ragnar Klavan (5/10): Was lucky to stay on the pitch after committing two dangerous offences. He looked under pressure from the minute go which reflected on his performance when in possession.
Nathaniel Clyne (6.5/10): He struggled in an unfamiliar left wing-back position and had a first half to forget. Clyne improved in the second half and was crucial in many of the Reds’ attacks from his flank.
James Milner (6/10): Anonymous in the midfield during the first 45 minutes but regained his groove in his familiar left back position in the second half.
Emre Can (8.5/10): A game to remember for the German. He was full of intent when on the ball as he drove his team forward with his surging runs. He had a crucial hand in Liverpool’s equaliser.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7.5/10): Another good showing by the Dutchman as he was tidy in possession in midfield alongside Emre Can. He had a horror moment when he almost gifted Stoke the second goal in the second half but looked assured apart from that incident.
Ben Woodburn (6.5/10): He became the third youngest Liverpool player to start a league game and had a decent outing. He was involved in the few attacks that they managed in the first half and was unlucky to be substituted for the team’s cause at the start of the second half.
Divock Origi (5/10): A frustrating evening ensued for the Belgian as he toiled hard to make an impact but failed to do so.
Substitutions
Philippe Coutinho (9/10): You cannot ask anything more from your substitute as the Brazilian was magnificent in his second half performance. Stoke City couldn’t get near him at times as he was rewarded with a well-taken goal.
Roberto Firmino (9/10): Firmino scored arguably his finest goal for Liverpool and unarguably the most important one in terms of the importance of securing Champions League football next season.
Daniel Sturridge (8/10): Announced himself back from an injury in the best way possible. It was his introduction which kick-started the comeback with his fluid movement being crucial in the first goal for the Reds.