Written by Ross Chandley – @rossic89
Well that feels better doesn’t it!?
A nice little win, ten minutes in which we were 3-0 up and I could actually enjoy the game! Magical stuff.
A much more aggressive and creative line up in my opinion and what we needed. Had a few brief moments in which I thought it was going to be “one of them” we had loads of the ball and we were creating. I just needed to tell myself to be patient. And I did. But also couldn’t help feel I’d seen this play out before and Brentford would get one on the break.
They didn’t and as frustrated as I got at times, I think that was a complete and professional performance from Liverpool.
Up to second in the league now. Take this form and this mood and take it into Thursday night and get to the final!
Alisson – Errrr?
Did he have anything to do?!
Alexander-Arnold – 8
Another game, another assist for Trent. He could have had more, he could have had a few goals too. Tucked inside on a few occasions which tended to narrow the angle but at least he was mixing up his play.
Matip – 9
Solid. Consistent. A joy to watch. Just doesn’t mess about and not that it should be a thing but still, his availability and his injury record have become a thing of the past, I think (Doesn’t do the research) this might be the most minutes he’s played in a few seasons if not ever for Liverpool. I adore him.
Van Dijk – 8
Same as Joel. Brentford rarely caused Liverpool an issue. Toney was kept quiet until the dying minutes, either he was admiring Anfield being a huge Liverpool fan or Matip and Virg had his number. I’m going for both.
Robertson – 8
The Robbo we all like; caused problems going forward, did his job defensively and capped off a good performance with a wonderful assist picking out Oxlade-Chamberlain at the back post. Lovely stuff.
Fabinho – 10
Firstly, we scored from a bloody cross. Secondly it was a much needed goal before half time and one which relieved mounting pressure on Liverpool. The rest was typical Fabinho; excellent reading of play, putting out fires, recycling play and just being immense! My MOTM.
FABINHO IN JANUARY pic.twitter.com/Od5ie6N2PW
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) January 16, 2022
Henderson – 7
Can never underestimate the tone and impetus this man sets for the side, he never let Brentford have a moment. Won most of his aerial and ground duels too. Maybe a little guilty of giving possession a bit too sloppy at times.
Jones – 8
Much more direct and driven compared to some of the other midfield options we have. The ability to drop the shoulder and move the team forward or open up play to bring others into it is something I feel we have lacked at times, Jones brings that in abundance.
Jota – 7
Can consider himself unlucky to not come out of that game with at least one goal. Hit the post and denied by the goalkeeper both in the second half. Much of the other supply were crosses in which it was extremely difficult for him to do anything with.
Ox – 8
Growing frustration with him online, obviously, before he popped up with a much needed second goal for Livepool. Not really a fan of him being played on the wing to be honest although in some respects he can’t win. “Get him on to have some shots from range” **Shoots from range and doesn’t score a worldie… “shite him” – He scored. We won. That’s all that matters.
Firmino – 8
Excellent pressing for the third goal, Liverpool were 2-0 up, he probably would have come off for Taki had Ox not picked up a knock and he still plays like that. Complete selflessness to put it on a plate for Taki too. Love him.
Subs
Taki – 7
Came on didn’t miss an absolute sitter and scored to put the game to bed. Well in Taki lad.
Milner – N/A
Didn’t play long enough.
Gordon – N/A
A proud moment for him to make his Premier League debut but he only played ten minutes so no rating. Thems the rules. Probably should have scored though!
