Written by Bobby Tait @BOBBATEE
A goalless 45mins for Liverpool and a costly slip up made the first half bittersweet for the reds. Dominating every thing but still vulnerable to that one clinical attack. Nunez got sent off, Diaz brought it back with a bang but it was a point that feels needlessly struggled for.
Here are tonight’s player ratings:
Alisson – 7
Not much he could do for the first goal. A well placed finish from a 1 on 1 situation. Came out and bossed his area in needed times which scores him extra points.
Alexander Arnold – 8
Pretty much ran the show on the right hand side doing everything he could to slide it in. Ended the match mainly being in the final third but that’s where you need your best attacking players in times of need.
Van Dijk – 7
Cleaned up most of the game and managed the back line well as he does. Drove home the message of just wanting to play football and not get drawn into time wasting efforts.
Phillips -5
A few misplaced passers in the first half that led to a few chances for palace. Could be blamed their first goal for relying on the offside trap. Maybe Van Dijk could have covered? Not sure. The guy played his heart out and his dedication to the cause never goes unnoticed.
Robertson – 7
Did his best to cause havoc with passing triangles in the final third but couldn’t find that sweet of a nut ball into the box. We go again Andy lad.
Fabinho – 7
Guilty of missing a few short passes but generally controlled everything that came near him. Was vital in halting attacking plays and revitalising the attack. A very crucial player for Liverpool right now. Mistake led to the Palace goal.
Milner – 7
Could have been something special at the beginning. Could have changed the whole game from the first minute. It wasn’t to be for the lad from Leeds unfortunately. Linked up with his midfield and always aimed to deliver deadly balls even if he was also guilty of a few short passes.
Elliot – 8
Poor lad ran his socks off. The best thing about him and Diaz is that their commonalities include ankle splitting ball control, an eye for a deadly pass and the hunger to retrieve possession. Impressed with the young man.
Diaz – 9 – MOTM
This man is unreal. I can’t believe he plays for us. Will you marry me? Whoever says we’ve lost a fatal amount of pace on that side of the field is bonkers. His touch is special. His goal was special. Got us the point after a very shakey period and managed to reignite a bit of belief.
Salah – 7
Did his best to try and poke everything into the net but sadly to no avail. A very tough defence for the forward three to break down tonight and made it difficult for Salah particularly. The spark was still there though and it won’t be long before he’s back on the score sheet.
Nunez – 0
On course for a goal and you could feel things clicking in the second half but lost his head. He’s young so he’ll learn. But not what we needed. Bit hard to swallow but at least we got the goal afterwards.
SUBS
Tsimikas (Robertson) – 4
Over zealous on many vital occasions when feeding from the wing. Booked for dissent too. Could have done without it I reckon.
Gomez (Phillips) – 6
It’s good to see him back. Did what he could and have us a bit more stability that was needed. Good run out for the man but was unable to affect the score line.
Henderson (Milner) – 6
Came on and gave barking orders to try and calm things down a bit and bring back some composure following the sending off. Chased down the opposition well but was ultimately not enough.
Carvalho (Elliot) – 6
Came on to inject a bit of juice into the tiring Liverpool side. Had a couple of near misses but overall couldn’t affect the final result.
