Norwich City 2-3 Liverpool
Two goals in eleven minutes brought forward a number of potential “Man of the Match” choices. However, over the course of 90 minutes through a nervous finish, many individuals disappeared. Some were prominent in making positive contributions; others were prominent in making utterly bewildering decisions.
Liverpool Man of the Match
It is easy to name the man of the match as Raheem Sterling was absolutely sensational. The youngster must be cementing his place in the England starting lineup in Brazil in his current form. After a tough start to the season he has consistently improved into becoming a constant threat for the Reds. As well as scoring two goals and assisting Luis Suarez’s goal, he was a speed demon all over the field. He received the ball in pockets of space and used his pace to be a constant thorn in the side of the Canaries. Late in the game, when Liverpool were put under immense pressure, Sterling adapted to the demands and defended very strongly. Team effort and individual brilliance, the recipe for a wonderful day on the field.
Player ratings
Here are the squad ratings of the entire lineup (out of 10):
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian shot stopper made an absolute mess of a cross when he allowed the first goal: he called for the ball in order to punch but wasn’t strong enough, resulting in him missing the ball completely and a goal for the Canaries. Red faced Mignolet and Angry faced Martin Skrtel. However, it must not be ignored, Liverpool fans, that Mignolet made an absolutely sensational save in the final minutes of the game to preserve the 3 points for Liverpool. All considered, Mignolet is rated as a 6.5.
Glen Johnson
Definitely, not arguably, very poor. Consistently inconsistent, Johnson is either a hit or a miss for the Reds on any given day. He cannot defend, therefore his passing and attacking needs to be there or else, he becomes useless. Today, Johnson gave the ball away cheaply numerous times and was a total liability. Johnson scored a 4.
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel was easily Liverpool’s best defender today. He was confident on the ball, powerful in the air, and I would need 6 limbs to count how many clearances he made. He also suited Liverpool’s passing style well as he made several precise passes. Late in the game with the pressure on, he stood tall to match the task. Skrtel scored an 8.5.
Mamadou Sakho
Sakho was not bad. He did not make any glaring errors. However, he needs to be quicker on the ball in order to avoid gaffes like the one he had today. He may be lacking some match fitness due to the lack of game time this season. He gets a 7.
Jon Flanagan
Flanagan was brilliant at the beginning of the match, moving the ball fantastically well and also dribbling confidently. As the game went on he was steady, however, the end brought forth problems as he was cautioned due to disciplinary reasons. He was the culprit for the second Norwich goal when he allowed Robert Snodgrass to head in at the far post. He receives a 6.5.
Steven Gerrard
Captain fantastic, captain consistent. Nothing out of the ordinary, but he defended like a champion and maintained composure through uneasy times. His distribution from the middle of the park was fantastic. It is hard to measure Gerrard’s play as a huge part of his positivity is his motivation and leadership. Without Gerrard, Liverpool may have dropped two points. He receives a 7.5.
Lucas Leiva
Lucas was vintage Lucas. Defended physically and distributed the ball admirably. Nothing more to add. He gets a 7.
Joe Allen
The constantly criticised Welshman performed well. Especially at the start of the match, his movement was fantastic: he managed to get into pockets of space in behind the Canaries defence. He was a threat, which is always good to hear about Allen. He ended up disappearing somewhat towards the end of his appearance, but was steady regardless. Allen receives an 8.
Philippe Coutinho
Coutinho was absolutely electrifying in the first half. He and Sterling combined in brilliant fashion to dominate the Canaries. Pace, footwork and passing was what the Brazilian added to the game today. The young Brazilian has been a pillar of skill and determination this season, always looking to prove himself to the manager. However, he did fade off towards the end of the match. He scores a 8.5.
Raheem Sterling
Brilliant, fantastic, adaptive. All over the field. Read above. Rating 9.5
Luis Suarez
Suarez has been below par recently. Scary when you consider he’s still notched a goal and assist in his last 2 matches. However, after finishing from Sterling’s pass today, he was not an important factor. He wasn’t chasing and tormenting defenders like he usually does. He scored a 6.5
Substitutes
Victor Moses
Moses was brought to add an injection of pace to Liverpool’s attack and hold onto the ball. When defending a lead, the physical Nigerian can add pace to the counter attack as well as strength in defence. He was responsible for setting up a glorious opportunity for Lucas after a marauding run. Small sample size, but he gets a 7.
Daniel Agger
Solid but unspectacular. Brought on at the end of the match for stability and leadership. Cannot get a rating due to a very small sample size.
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