How Liverpool’s players rated in their 2-0 victory against Tottenham

Sun 12 February 2017 11:15, UK

Having come into this huge clash without a league victory in 2017, Klopp really needed a big performance from his team, to turn their form around, increase morale and keep them in firm contention for a top four spot. With such pressure on the players, the Reds …. as they won/lost … to Mauricio Pochettino’s (red hot) Tottenham side

Here’s how the Liverpool players rated:

Simon Mignolet – 8

Stepped up when he was needed to stop Son in the first half. Having spent most of the season out of the first team, the Belgian has come back in the frame in what has been a hard time for Liverpool. Mignolet provided a solid base for Liverpool today and will be hoping to build on this performance.

Nathaniel Clyne – 7

The description of quiet, but industrious would define Nathaniel Clyne’s performance against Spurs. The right-back aided Liverpool going forward on a flank that Ben Davies was hung out to dry.

Joel Matip – 7

Whenever this Cameroon international plays, the Reds seem a stronger outfit and against Spurs’, this was no different. Matip kept Kane quiet for the large duration of the game and was unlucky not to score.

Lucas Leiva – 7

Centre-back is not his greatest position but he does what he can. Lucas managed to keep his discipline today before he was substituted, due to an injury, for Ragnar Klavan 82 minutes in.

James Milner – 7

Another solid performance from the ever-reliable James Milner, is there ever a time when he doesn’t give Klopp a seven out of 10? The Englishman was solid on the left against Walker and had little to do against a roaming Christian Eriksen.

Adam Lallana – 8

Finding space in the midfield and keeping play moving forward throughout, Adam Lallana was solid in a central role for Liverpool today with his dribbling acting as the main progression between defence and attack.

Jordan Henderson – 7

Another industrious performance by the captain who picked up a knock to his eye during the second half but continued. A late tackle in the 85^TH minute brought Klopp to his feet in admiration.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 9

The midfielder dominated across the field, covering ground across the pitch throughout the game, being quietly effective on the ball whilst also making a huge difference off it. He was also able to grab a fantastic assist with a clever reverse-pass to Sadio Mane for his first goal.

Philippe Coutinho – 7

Although not as impactful as he might have wanted to be, grabbing no assists or goals, the Brazilian was a constant threat driving in-field and spraying the ball around with ease. He was less effective in the second half but still helped Liverpool in containing Tottenham and offering an attacking outlet.

Roberto Firmino – 8

Firmino offered an abundance of energy up front constantly pressing alongside his attacking partners. In the first half, he was consistently linking up with players around him. He was unlucky a few times with his touch which could have seen him log a goal or assist.

Sadio Mane – 9

Effectively the game-winner for Liverpool, Mane ran Ben Davies ragged all game and his clinical finishing in front of goal, in scoring two goals, ultimately won Liverpool the game. If his finishing was slightly better on the day he could have had three or four.

Emre Can – 6 (sub 77’)

Coming on as a tactical sub in the 77^th minute for Phillipe Coutinho, Can helped in seeing out the victory, breaking up attacks and making some good tackles in midfield.

Ragnar Klavan – 6 (sub 82’)

The Estonian may have started the game if he wasn’t ill and out of training all weak, but did feature as a sub after Lucas Leiva felt his hamstring. He didn’t have much to do although did make an important covering tackle.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (sub 91’) – N/A

Came on in extra time but hardly touched the ball.

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How Liverpool’s players rated in their 2-0 victory against Tottenham