Written by Bobby Tait @BOBBATEE
Liverpool smashed Manchester United off the park in a thumping 4-0 win at Anfield tonight, to promote the reds to the top of the table and leaves the proverbial ball in City’s hands.
A Salah brace, a Diaz slotter and an out the box finish from Mane saw the mancs shuffling back down the east lancs road with exactly what they thought they expected. A battering. No inspiration from any United player left them open for our front three to wreak havoc makes it 9 goals in two league games against Manchester United. The quality of their team may dilute our bragging rights but still, what a thing to say. I’m beaming as we speak.
Here are tonight’s player ratings.
Alisson – 7/10
The Brazilian was kept on his toes for a couple of moments in the first half and dealt with any long hall that came near him. Never had loads to do, but as always he remained calm and even saved the offside chances just to make a point. Can’t fault the man.
Trent – 7/10
Told De Gea to do one and even got into Fernandes’ head towards the end. Battled well with Sancho in the second half which was the only time he was called to defend until Rashford tried and failed to go past him later on. Never really needed to press, much like Robbo, we never needed to push every player up to break the defence down as Maguire did that for us. A comfortable outing for the scouser in the team.
Matip 8/10
Stayed at home most of the game as we didn’t really need that many attackers in this game. Stood up well to all chances United threw at him, and gave us some quality slow motion facial expressions.
Van Dijk – 7/10
The Dutchman demanded a high line tonight and boy did he get it. Stayed out of most attacks from the mancs as they were probably too scared to try it. Fed the attack when needed and cleared his lines all day long. What more could you want from the best defender in the world.
Robertson – 8/10
The flying Scotsman was at full tilt this evening. Always found offering himself as a wide option to split the play and was often found on spicy runs, driving the play forward. Got caught short a few times when attempting to recover the ball but still kept his line and kept the mancs out.
Thiago MOTM 10/10
Wow. What a player. He is the cog that makes us tick. He is the string that pulls the whole performance together. He’s the pivot from which we dance. Man of the match.
Fabinho 9/10
A strong and decisive performance from our number 3. Always extending his inspector gadget leg to nullify any United attack he was near. They should use his biological matter for military vests. The man is impermeable.
Henderson 7/10
Not much from the captain today but led the midfield well. He let Thiago dance and was backed by Fabinho well. He repeatedly shored up second balls from dead ball situations and let the players around him do what they do best. Sometimes his own pace let him down, but his ability to control play is still underrated.
Diaz – 9/10
A top finish early set the game in the motion. Always looking to get in amongst the goals and led from the left with class and pace. Can’t believe we’ve been successful without him. Imagine where this man can take us!
Salah – 9/10
Taking criticism in the past few weeks for his lack of goals since February. However the Egyptian king was back to his best and finished off the dirtiest pass we’ve seen this year from Mane. He also closes the game with a naughty chip over De Gea to grab the brace. Did what he needed to do. Just Mo Salah doing Mo Salah things. Nearly got his hat trick but it wasn’t to be.
Mane – 9/10
The Mane man brings the biscuits once again. That pass to Salah. I don’t think he’s seen it yet but I’m sure he’ll be happy when he does.
Maguire – 9/10
Forever opening space for the front three and always looking to split open the United defence. The link of play for Diaz’s goal was sublime. The understanding between Mane Salah and Maguire is second to none. Loses a point for tackling Henderson accidentally but all in all a great performance yet again from the former Leicester ‘player’.
Subs
Jota – 7/10
Sliding past players is everything he wants to do and Jurgen lets him do it. Unlucky not to get past the mancs as the ball sometimes got away from him but he was eager for a goal and if was subbed on earlier I’m sure he would’ve got one.
Keita – n/a
Came on late to give Thiago his applause and keep the game at bay and held United up top for the clean sheet. Didn’t make the greatest of impacts but did what he needed to do.
Milner – n/a
Came on to rest fabs and give him his end of game applause. Didn’t contribute much to the game.
