If a rainy encounter at Selhurst Park didn’t break enough Liverpool hearts in May, a rain-affected encounter at Selhurst Park in November surely did. Playing to save their faltering season, the Reds didn’t do themselves any favours after letting a game slip away from their hands after having the most near-perfect start to a Premier League game they’ve had this season. Here is an assessment of yet another dismal outing by Brendan Rodgers’ side:
Simon Mignolet – 5/10
Despite making a few good saves through the game, Mignolet was largely at fault for the second goal Palace scored. The Belgian shot-stopper gave away the ball to the opposition after a terribly poor goal-kick. Another visit to Selhurst Park, Mignolet will want to forget as soon as he can.
Javier Manquillo – 6/10
The young Spanish full-back had his hands full with the lively Bolasie all afternoon. Despite giving a good account of himself playing at right-back, Manquillo would rue the chance he squandered to register his first Liverpool goal as the Reds surged forward for an equaliser.
Martin Skrtel – 4/10
The Slovakian centre-back was well below his best form against Dwight Gayle. Sloppy in possession and reckless in defence, Skrtel certainly isn’t helping his team giving away cheap free-kicks at the edge of the box.
Dejan Lovren – 5/10
The Croatian centre-back can certainly talk the talk but he’s not helping his growing critics list with performances such as this. Another forgettable outing in a Liverpool shirt for the former Saints man.
Glen Johnson – 5/10
While newspapers report that Liverpool and Glen Johnson are close to agreeing terms on a new deal, his performance at left-back should certainly make the club think twice. Very wasteful in possession and always shaky in defence.
Steven Gerrard – 6/10
Its become pretty evident to all the teams in the Premier League how to stop the Liverpool skipper from affecting the game. The ever reliable 34 year-old midfielder was awfully bad with his shooting all afternoon squandering a host of chances he would normally put away.
Joe Allen – 7/10
The Welshman worked hard all game despite being on the receiving end of a nasty collision with Baolasie early in the second half. One of the better Liverpool players on the pitch.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
The former Saints skipper started the game like a dream but then faded away as he couldn’t get on the ball enough and failed to impose his undoubted ability on the proceedings.
Phillipe Coutinho – 6/10
The Brazilian showed signs of invention and creativity around the box but lost the ball far too often and was muscled out rather easily.
Raheem Sterling – 5/10
The teenager had an afternoon to forget. Maybe it’s the weight of expectations finally taking a toll on the youngster’s game but he certainly seems to be struggling recently.
Rickie Lambert – 6/10
The 32 year-old striker finally got off the mark for Liverpool but couldn’t do much after that. Isolated upfront with very little service, Lambert was a lonely figure upfront for Liverpool all afternoon.