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MASSIVE kick in the nuts that. Massive. But 10 points from 12 over Christmas, you’d take that all day. Anyway, we live in the moment.

Loads of lethargy, but playing two games in less than 48 hours is taking the piss.

Fitness and sharpness are massively important to this Liverpool side and we looked a bit short against poor opposition today.

Simon Mignolet: 8

Desperately unlucky with the first penalty and followed it up with a great one-on-one stop to foil Jermain Defoe shortly after.

Nathaniel Clyne: 6

Looked, like a few others, fucking knackered.

Didn’t do anything wrong, but lacked a bit of sharpness.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Monday, January 2, 2017: Liverpool's Nathaniel Clyne in action against Sunderland during the FA Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Dejan Lovren: 7

Great block in the second half, other than that steady as ever. Can’t really say much more. Frustrated by a couple of decisions.

Ragnar Klavan: 5

Daft decision to bring down Didier Ndong for the penno. Feels a bit arl arse having a go because he’s a third choice centre-half, and he’s come off the back of a couple of really good performances, but not great today.

James Milner: 6

Telling that we lacked leadership when he went off. Not a fantastic performance by any means but missed his experience which, given Jordan Henderson’s omission, was a big blow.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Monday, January 2, 2017: Liverpool's James Milner in action against Sunderland's Fabio Borini during the FA Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Emre Can: 4

Don’t get the fuss. Slow to get going, slow to make a decision, embodied the midfield malaise today. Physically impressive but didn’t step up in Henderson’s absence.

Gini Wijnaldum: 5

Looked lost and short of yards, put a massive shift in over the last few weeks and maybe would have had the day off if other options were available.

Adam Lallana: 6

Possibly the brightest spark but was on the periphery for most of the game, better when he’s more direct, but, again, had huge minutes to carry in his New Year legs.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Monday, January 2, 2017: Liverpool's Adam Lallana and Alberto Moreno in action against Sunderland's Fabio Borini during the FA Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sadio Mane: 6

Scored one, gave one away.

Have a good trip, mate, and come back refreshed — oh, and try not to play goalie.

Roberto Firmino: 6

Looked leggy against Manchester City back in 2016 and continued in a similar vein today, never stops running but looks mentally worn out. Probably missing his mate too.

Daniel Sturridge: 7

Scored. Could have had a hat-trick, one-on-one with Vito Mannone especially unlucky.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Monday, January 2, 2017: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the first goal against Sunderland during the FA Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

SUBS

Alberto Moreno: 6

Didn’t do much wrong and injected a bit of urgency into the Reds’ play, always a willing outlet.

Divock Origi: 6

Needs to realise he’s a big grock and start bullying accordingly.

Lucas Leiva: 5

Fuck sake, lad. Again.

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Pics: David Rawcliffe-Propaganda Photo

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