Premier League 2020/21: Liverpool v West Ham United player ratings


Premier League 2020/21: Liverpool v West Ham United player ratings

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United is challenged by Roberto Firminho of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on October 31, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Xherdan Shaqiri assisted Diogo Jota for the winning goal

Liverpool had to dig in, bide their time and then come from behind to win their match against West Ham United. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota ensured that Liverpool won and topped the league table. Here is our ratings of the Liverpool players based on their performance.

Alisson Becker- 5

Alisson Becker didn’t have much to do almost the entire match. The first goal can’t be faulted on him as the ball was intelligently placed right past the area he could reach. Aside from that moment, he had nothing much to deal with it and wasn’t called upon until the moment Pablo Fornals directed a weak attempt at goal, which Alisson collected easily. He wasn’t tested too much and he was out of the match mostly

Trent Alexander Arnold- 6

Had to deal with the menace of Arthur Masuaku constantly bombarding up the pitch. Could’ve done a better job in shutting out him and not allowing him to put crosses into the box at will. First goal came via a cross that was cleared by Joe Gomez straight at Pablo Fornals. Crosses were good but not up to the quality he has set. Needs to improve defensively. Made his 100th appearance for Liverpool too.

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Nathaniel Phillips- 8.5

Made his debut for Liverpool but didn’t look like one. He played like an experienced player and seemed to solve Liverpool’s vulnerabilities in aerial duels since Virgil Van Dijk’s injury. Phillips was the star of the show as he seldom put a foot wrong and was very assured at what he did. Hoping to exploit his inexperience, David Moyes told Sebastian Haller to stick to Phillips. However it was the other way around as Phillips kept Haller quiet most of the game and Haller later was subbed off. Was adjudged the man of the match rightly

Joe Gomez- 6

Made the mistake that lead to the opponent’s goal, which showed his lack of awareness in that moment. Otherwise had nothing to the whole match as opponents tried to target Nathaniel Phillips, who stood like a rock. Won a couple of aerial duels, made some long passes. It was an uneventful day for Joe Gomez as Nathaniel Phillips did most of the work.

Andy Robertson- 6

He was the most senior defender in the defence line. Good defensive work and excellent work rate. Made a crucial block against a goal bound shot. Excellent link-up with Sadio Mane on the left and later with Xherdan Shaqiri. Couldn’t score when set up in a position to.

Jordan Henderson- 7.5

The leader on the pitch. Kept things ticking and slotted in as a third centre-back at times. Played the most forward passes, succeeded in all his aerial duels and made many tackles. Showed his importance yet again as he set Shaqiri to make the assist for Jota. Inspires and leads his team and never allows them to give up. The most difference is shown when Henderson is not present on the pitch and therefore shows how important he is.

Georginio Wijnaldum- 6

Made some intelligent runs and dribbles. Movement on the ball was very good and did some tricks. However nothing came out of in terms of productivity. Made lesser forward passes than Henderson, who was a deep lying midfielder. Pressing was good and movement off the ball was good too.

Curtis Jones- 5.5

Played in an advanced role but failed to capitalise on it. Made sideward passes throughout the match while being in an advanced role and lacked vision. Obvious passes were missed when players made position changes to receive the ball. Only moment of productivity was the one lofted pass he made that found Salah and earned him a penalty later.

Sadio Mane- 7.5

Intelligent as usual. Linked up well with Robertson in the left and became a constant threat with the introduction of Diogo Jota in the second half. Made lot of intelligent movements to receive the ball but the pass wasn’t made. Made darting runs when Robertson had the ball and kept the ball well with Mohamed Salah. Was used until the end of the match while the rest of the front three had been subbed off. Huge levels of energy benefit Liverpool a lot.

Roberto Firmino- 5

His poor run of form continues as Roberto Firmino couldn’t even keep the ball under his feet. Easily dispossessed, that too after dropping deep allowed the opponents to counter. Carried by Salah and Mane throughout. Liverpool looked sharper with withdrawal along with Curtis Jones. Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri are clear competitors for his place.

Mohamed Salah- 7.5

Continues his stellar performance with razor sharp movements. When with the ball is tough to dispossess and creates high number of chances too. Created a chance out of nowhere for Henderson showing his vision. Lack of assists because chances aren’t being finished. Won a penalty with some theatrics, but other than that was his usual best. Continues to be a nightmare for opponent’s defence along with Mane along with the added threat of Jota.

Xherdan Shaqiri- 8

Gets chances really rarely, but when he gets them he proves to be a very good player. The only good player in a mediocre team when Liverpool played against Midtjylland. He brings a X-factor into play when introduced and was the game winner here too. Showed exemplary vision when he spotted Diogo Jota’s run and put a wonderful throughball between Fabian Balbuena’s legs. If played in his favoured position of CAM, he can unlock low block defences along with Thiago.

Diogo Jota- 8.5

Gifted with his talent to make amazing runs. Shows strength on when with the ball and easily throws away defenders. Blessed with speed, vision and movement. Easily links up with any player he is asked to play with. Linked with Takumi Minamino against Ajax and Xherdan Shaqiri against West Ham. Links well with Mane as the latter drifts to the left along with Robertson. Scored two goals with one being ruled out. The second goal was special as it unlocked an otherwise airtight defence in just one moment. He’s been in white-hot form since his debut and averages a goal every 65 minutes. That means he scores almost every match he plays. His form poses a serious conundrum for Klopp-whether to drop Firmino or include Jota in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

James Milner- N/A

Introduced only as a late substitution for defensive reinforcement.

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