A hard-fought victory by a solitary goal that came off the head of the brave Glen Johnson’s head 5 minutes from time saw Rodgers’ Reds arrest the slump they have been in for the past few weeks. Still in the bottom half of the table, the Reds put in a performance worth 3 points and beyond as they threw all they had at Stoke in search for the elusive win. Here is an assessment of the performances by the Reds who took the field yesterday:-
Simon Mignolet – 6.5/10
A far better performance from the Belgian who has been under a lot of criticism from everyone; having made multiple saves late on including one finger-tip save over the bar from Bojan as Stoke pushed for an equaliser.
Glen Johnson – 7/10
For the sheer desire and bravery he showed to go in head-first for the header he deserves a 7. The 30 year-old showed commitment that has been lacking from the full-back for quite some time now. This might just spark a return to form for the once England’s best right-back.
Martin Skrtel – 6/10
Looking far more assured with Toure alongside, Skrtel had a largely untroubled afternoon but put in some vital tackles as Stoke threatened late on.
Kolo Toure – 7.5/10
Winning almost every header he went up for, Toure demonstrated leadership in the defence – something that has been lacking in the Reds back-four.
Jose Enrique – 5/10
One of the more disappointing players on the pitch, Enrique was far too predictable with his forward forays making it really difficult for his team-mates to profit of his overlapping runs.
Lucas Leiva – 8/10
Who would’ve known that the long blonde haired Brazilian in white boots would turn into Liverpool’s best defensive midfielder back in 2009 ? Back into the starting line-up, Lucas ran himself into the ground and was arguably a class apart from everyone else on the pitch.
Joe Allen – 7/10
The Welshman was at his best in the midfield putting in a performance of tireless hard-work and endeavour. Despite squandering a difficult chance to say the least, Allen was detrimental to the way Liverpool pushed for the opener in the second half.
Jordan Henderson – 7/10
After a rather anonymous first-half, Henderson put in a performance worthy of the arm-band in the second half as he led the Liverpool press and search for the elusive first goal.
Phillipe Coutinho – 6/10
The little Brazilian’s performance was a series of what could have been and what might have been. Flashes of sheer brilliance coupled with simply lack of strength – Coutinho needs to find the middle ground consistently.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
The teenager was full of energy and invention throughout the game. Showing great pace and trickery, Sterling looks like he is growing into a player we all hope he does.
Rickie Lambert – 7.5/10
Apart from the brilliant header that inadvertently set-up the winner, Lambert played the role of target-man to great perfection. The 32 year old finally seems to be settling into life at Liverpool as he gradually looks more confident and assertive when on the ball.