match_ratings_ident

THE gnarly, narky Reds leave London, again, with three points in the back bin.

Looking more and more assured every week are Jürgen Klopp’s increasingly street-wise upstarts.

Here are your ratings, then:

Simon Mignolet: 7

Just doesn’t look comfortable with the ball at his feet, might be my bias, just gives me the yips. Didn’t take any messing around from predictable Chelsea set-piece shenanigans.

Fantastic punch through a crowd of Chelsea players on 51 minutes, and had no chance with the goal.

Nathaniel Clyne: 8

Detailed with taking care of Eden Hazard and kept the Belgian very quiet. Offered himself at every opportunity and mopped up well when the tide turned late on.

Joel Matip: 7

His willingness to get forward is encouraging. Made an important block on Nemanja Matic at 1-0 but was overly hasty going to ground for Diego Costa’s goal. Otherwise faultless.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, September 16, 2016: Liverpool's Joel Matip in action against Chelsea's Diego Costa during the FA Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Dejan Lovren: 8

Strikers finish for Liverpool’s first, couple of solid blocks and more importantly, kept his head when it mattered. Incredible turnaround of his Liverpool career, do we have another leader? Looks like it.

James Milner: 7

Quietly efficient. He covers effectively and protects himself from being exposed. Shows experience further up the pitch in possession, especially under pressure.

Jordan Henderson: 8

Hasn’t scored a goal like that in his dreams never mind in training. Genuine captain’s performance. He’s improving at a rate of knots, only 26 but shone like a beacon in the midfield tonight. Could have maybe tracked his man better for Chelsea’s goal but hardly the prime suspect.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, September 16, 2016: Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring the second goal against Chelsea with team-mate Dejan Lovren during the FA Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Georginio Wijnaldum: 7

Started well but faded badly, seemed to go missing for a good portion of the second period when we needed to stabilise, came strong again later on and protected possession well before picking up a slight knock.

Adam Lallana: 9

Tricky Adam Lallana. Gnarly Adam Lallana. Snide Adam Lallana. Shithouse Adam Lallana. Lovely Adam Lallana.

Philippe Coutinho: 7

Slow start but fantastic delivery for Lovren’s goal and became more influential as the first half progressed. Refused to hide when it was on the line but looked a little rusty.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, September 16, 2016: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Chelsea's Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Junior during the FA Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sadio Mane: 6

Struggled for space and touch not assured as of late. His radar seemed off and he looked tired late on when we had a few opportunities to break and release some pressure.

Daniel Sturridge: 7

Seems to have regained a touch of pace. A bit deeper again tonight but linked up well and provided an extra body in midfield. Did seem to miss Roberto Firmino’s presence and not as bright as last week.

Divock Origi: 6 (On for Sturridge 58′)

Not a great outing. Physically a nuisance but decision making seems to have regressed, maybe needs a run of games. The Origi of last year shoots instead of passes late on when he had a sight of goal but did force a great save from Thibaut Courtois with a solid header. Unfair to overly blame him, though, as the pace had come off the ball.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, September 16, 2016: Liverpool's Divock Origi in action against Chelsea's David Luiz during the FA Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Lucas Leiva: 6 (On for Coutinho 82′)

Brought on to plug a hole, gave away his mandatory free-kick on the edge of the box with the game on a knife edge. Otherwise, calmed it all down.

Kevin Stewart: N/A (On for Wijnaldum 90′)

Shoe-in for the England squad at this rate.

Steven Gerrard: 10

Man of the match by a fucking mile.

For podcasts on every Liverpool game home and away, exclusive interviews, past seasons reviewed and more, subscribe to TAW Player for just £5 per month. Minimum sign-up is just one month. If it’s not for you, all you’ve shelled out is a fiver! More information here.

illo_crowd