Champions League 2017/18: Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla, Player Ratings
It was yet another tale of Liverpool's defence undoing the good work done by their attack. A sloppy clearance from Dejan Lovren gave Sevilla an early lead but some breathtaking attack from the home side gave them the lead at halftime.
Sevilla scored with their only two shot on targets while Liverpool had two dozen shots and 7 on target.
Philippe Coutinho made a much-awaited return to the Liverpool team against the Spanish side but looked out of sync and touch. His cameo was not enough to secure all three points.
Liverpool
Loris Karius - 6/10
Sevilla had two shots on target and they scored with both. However, there was nothing Karius could have done with either goal. He did well to come out to claim crosses and make punches.
Joe Gomez - 6/10
Although he was sent off during added time of the second half, he had a solid game. Sevilla linked up well from their left-hand side but Gomez held them off quite well. He was also involved with the sending off of Sevilla’s manager.
Joel Matip - 7/10
Matip played like a top class ball playing centre back with some brilliant runs from deep carrying the ball. He also made some well-timed interceptions and tackles but switched off when Sevilla took the corner that led to their second goal.
Dejan Lovren - 5/10:
Made a hash of a simple clearance which resulted in Sevilla’s opening goal. He didn’t do much wrong after that but his mistake eventually cost Liverpool two points in a home game. It is high time for him to step up his game and cut down such silly mistakes.
Alberto Moreno - 8/10
The Spaniard was a constant threat down the left-hand side with Sadio Mane and made life difficult for Gabriel Mercado. He whipped in some brilliant crosses and played a neat one-two with Jordan Henderson before setting up Firmino for Liverpool’s first. He also had a good game defensively but could have received a second yellow on another day.
Jordan Henderson - 6/10
Was his industrious self, made some good tackles and passes. His through ball to find Moreno inside the box led to Liverpool’s opening goal. However, he lost possession with some wayward passes and put his teammates under pressure with some of his passing when pressed.
Georginio Wijnaldum - 7/10
Wijnaldum was once again brilliant in a home game and linked up well with Mohamed Salah in the first half. The Dutchman made some good runs, kept the ball ticking throughout and also helped out in defence
Emre Can - 7/10
Can was caught watching as Ben Yedder scored the first but had a good game otherwise. He provided cover for Moreno and found himself in goalscoring positions often. He could and maybe should have converted a chance towards the end of the first half. Nevertheless, he looks a much-improved player.
Sadio Mane - 8/10
Mane was back to his best following the red card against Manchester City. He troubled the Sevilla defence constantly with his pace and dribbling and also won the Reds a penalty in the first half. His dummy, quick turning and acceleration proved to be difficult to deal with.
Roberto Firmino - 7/10
The Brazilian dropped deep to create space for the wingers and also made some good runs into the box which eventually led to him scoring the first goal. He had the chance to score again but his penalty rebounded off the post after he sent the keeper the wrong way.
Mohamed Salah - 8/10
Salah was constantly looking to run in behind the Sevilla defence and also helped his defence out. His was tenacious and won the ball back from Nzonzi before scoring Liverpool’s second. The Egyptian also carried the ball well and helped create space for the other attackers.
Subs:
Philippe Coutinho - 6/10
The Brazilian made his return to the playing squad after his summer transfer saga for the first time. He looked out of sorts during his cameo. His touch and passing let him down and his corners were also below par.
Daniel Sturridge - N/A
Hardly had any time to make any impact after he came on and didn’t make any telling contribution either.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - N/A
Got very little time on the pitch but won two corners towards the end of the game.