The season beginner at the Vicarage Road did not come to a fruitful end for Liverpool as they failed to take more than a point in their first game of the 2017-18 Premier League season. Having trailed twice in the game, Liverpool finally managed to take the lead at 3-2, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Salah but blew the lead late in the game, as Watford managed to steal a 3-3 draw on the night, albeit with a goal with a tinge of an ‘offside’ involved.
Liverpool’s set-piece woes continued but the front three from the starting XI all got onto the score sheet. Here are the player ratings for the Reds for this game:
Simon Mignolet (7):
Made a couple of decent saves and was also dominating in that air and doesn’t have blame attached to him for any of the goals that his side conceded.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6):
The youngster showed that he is ready for top-flight football and hardly put a foot wrong in a decent performance at right-back.
Joel Matip (6):
Should have done better for the final goal but was solid at the back in general dealing with the physical approach from Watford.
Dejan Lovren (5):
Partially at fault for a couple of goals, Lovren has not improved immensely from the previous season and is still a liability at the back for Liverpool.
Alberto Moreno (6):
Showed more composure at the back than he usually does but still caught out of position far too many times for Liverpool’s liking.
Jordan Henderson (6):
Took time to settle into the game but sprayed a few superb passes late in the game as Liverpool started to dominate proceedings at the Vicarage Road.
Emre Can (7):
Put in the hard yards and came close to scoring. Picked up the assist for Mane’s goal in what was a decent performance from the German.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
Could have done much more in a free-flowing midfield role, as he looked a bit rusty throughout the tie.
Mohamed Salah (7):
Scored a goal and won a penalty for his side and could have had a couple more in what was a productive debut for the Egyptian.
Sadio Mane (8):
Was the liveliest of the Liverpool players in the first half but it was clear that he is yet to reach full fitness on the field. Opened the scoring for his side at the end of a sizzling move from the Reds.
Roberto Firmino (9):
Easily the player of the game for Liverpool, Firmino coolly tucked away a penalty and created Salah’s goal while troubling the Watford defence all night.
Subs:
Divock Origi (6):
Decent hold up play late in the game and got little chance to have an effect in the final third.
James Milner (6):
Was on for less than 10 minutes but had an eventful time on the field, winning the ball back and almost setting up a goal.
Joe Gomez (4):
Back on the field in the league after almost two years, Gomez will be gutted as he gave away the free-kick that led to the late equalizer from Watford.