For the first time in the Premier League era, Liverpool have managed to win maximum points from their first four league games as they go into the first international break with four wins. Their trip to King Power started with a well-taken goal from Sadio Mane and when Roberto Firmino added a second at the stroke of half-time, it looked like the Reds were on their way to another comfortable win.
However, as it turned out, Leicester City came out all guns blazing in the second half, putting the Liverpool midfield and backline under pressure. They managed to force a mistake from Alisson Becker, who was beaten for the first time this season by Rachid Ghezzal.
The Reds, however, did well to hold on to their lead, registering yet another scrappy win. They remain at the top of the table and we rate the Liverpool players:
Alisson Becker (5)
A mistake he should not be making at this level. It almost cost Liverpool three points but the confidence he showed before and after that goal is what makes him an important part of Liverpool’s new-look side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5)
Winning just three tackles all game, the youngster was not at his best at either end and will be happy that he was not tested too much by the likes of Albrighton and Chilwell.
Joe Gomez (9)
Probably his best game at CB for the Reds. Gomez made a couple of superb blocks and never gave Iheanacho or Gray a sniff at Alisson’s goal, winning everything thrown at him and showing great confidence at the back.
Virgil van Dijk (6.5)
Allowed Ghezzal past him on a couple of occasions and also lost the ball far too often, inviting pressure in the second half.
Andrew Robertson (7)
Picked up the assist for Mane’s goal and was also ever-present down the left flank, keeping the likes of Pereira and Ghezzal in check for most of the game.
Jordan Henderson (6)
Was evidently slow in possession as he is yet to return to full match fitness. Spread the ball to the wings well but was overworked in the second half, before giving way to Naby Keita.
James Milner (7)
A gritty presence in the middle of the park as he threw himself around to win the ball back and add numbers at the back as Leicester put some pressure on Liverpool late in the game. Picked up the assist for the second goal from a corner.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6)
Sloppy in possession as he looked uncomfortable in an advanced role. But did well in the second half in a no.6 role, breaking up possession and adding cover to the backline.
Mohamed Salah (6)
A below par performance from the Egyptian, who should have scored just minutes into the game. An off day which he will want to forget quickly.
Roberto Firmino (6.5)
Firmino put pressure on Maguire just seconds before the final whistle and that showed what he adds to this Liverpool team. Was quick to hassle the Leicester City back line when in possession and also got himself his first goal of the season to double Liverpool’s lead late in the first half.
Sadio Mane (7)
Was probably Liverpool’s best attacker as he troubled Pereira and pushed Ghezzal back. A smart finish to open the scoring and also did well to sit back and defend when Liverpool needed him to in the second half.
Substitutes
Naby Keita (6)
Added fresh legs in the midfield and also put in a crucial block to see out the game.
Xherdan Shaqiri (6)
Did well with his direct approach and pinned Leicester City back with every chance he got in his cameo at the end.
Joel Matip (N/A):
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
