Player Ratings (out of 10) LIVERPOOL Simon Mignolet: Seemed nervous at the start on his league debut for Liverpool in front of the Kop, but gradually settled nicely into his role. Made some good saves before saving a penalty in the 88th minute to ensure 3 points for the team Rating: 8 Glen Johnson: It was a usual game for Johnson who used every opportunity to make a run into the opponent’s half. Looked comfortable with the ball, and wasn’t troubled much defensively. Rating: 7 Kolo Toure: The experienced Toure made his league debut for Liverpool and looked solid and assured at the back. Brought in to the team as a replacement for Jamie Carragher, Toure slotted effortlessly into the side’s defence. Rating: 7 Daniel Agger: Liverpool’s new vice-captain was having a good solid game in which he handled Stoke’s physical presence, till the 87th minute, when his ludicrous handball almost cost Liverpool 2 points. Was lucky that Mignolet’s penalty save spared him the blushes. Rating: 6 Jose Enrique: Solid performance on the left flank, though he missed a great chance to score in the first half. Enrique put in an assured performance in which he linked up well with Aspas and Coutinho. Rating: 7 Lucas Leiva: Helped break up Stoke’s attacks whenever they seemed to threaten. Made a crucial goal-line clearance towards the end of the first half. Rating: 8 Steven Gerrard: The game saw a commanding performance from the talismanic Liverpool skipper and he was excellent in his deliveries from set pieces. Rating: 8 Jordan Henderson: Given a chance to play ahead of Joe Allen, Henderson put in a determined performance. He was unlucky to be denied a goal because of the woodwork. Rating: 7 Philippe Coutinho: The youngster continued to impress as he was a constant threat in the game. His passing was exceptional. Rating: 8 Iago Aspas: It was an encouraging debut for Aspas, as he linked up well in attack and worked hard. Had a few chances to score, which he failed to capitalize upon. Rating: 7 Daniel Sturridge: Continuing his goal-scoring form for Liverpool, Sturridge scored the match winner, which was a well taken goal. Rating: 8 Substitutes Raheem Sterling: Replaced Aspas in the 72nd minute, and did well to retain possession towards the end when Liverpool were trying to close out the game. Rating: 6
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 08:01:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015