Matchweek 31 – Liverpool 4 – 0 Crystal Palace: Match Ratings

Dominant. Surgical. Comprehensive.

Alisson – N/A

As in DNP. As in “Crystal Palace failed to record a single touch in the opposition box against Liverpool, the first side to do so in a Premier League match since Opta have full data for this statistic (2008-09).” Opta* 

TAA – 8.5

Comes off one of his poorest performances in a red shirt and reminds us that he might currently be the best set piece taker in football. Back to his marauding, pass spraying best. 

Gomez – 7.5

Especially crisp going forward. Air tight except for gifting Meyer on a failed clearance, first half.

Van Dijk – 8

Honestly can’t decide if he deserves a 9 because he’s so quietly dominant or if he deserves a 7 because the rest of the team was so bloody good today.

Robertson – 7.5

Gah… good to have him back. Changes the dynamic of that team with his threat from deep crossing positions and his overlaps.

Gini – 8

Started brightly and faded as the game wore on. Had a couple of gilt edge chances he’ll wish he’d have buried.

Fabinho – 10* (MOTM)

Tackle after tackle. Crisply recycled position. Peach of a ball over the top for Salah’s goal. Absolute laser from 30 for the goal. A complete & dominant performance.

Henderson – 8

Shanks a half volley over the stands and then rattles one off the woodwork in the space of 15. Then quietly does all those little niggly, dirty Jordan Henderson things…

Mane – 9.5

Glad he banged one in as he had been an absolute monster on the ball and arguably the hardest working player off the ball up until that point. Gave Palace absolute fits down that right side. 

Firmino – 7

Just quietly dragged centerbacks out of position and remained the center of the link-up play. Even when he’s not all over the score sheet he’s an absolute unicorn.

Salah – 9

The boy can time a run can’t he? Did well to slot home and even better to thread the ball through on a dime for Mane’s for Liverpool’s 4th.

THE SUBS

OX – 7

Looked lively, got in good spaces. Switched play quickly. Good industry. 

Minamino – 7

Excited to see him centrally as I think there’s a fair bit of Bobby in his game. Continues to get in good spaces with good pace. It’s coming… 

Neco Williams – 8

So….is this love? Threads in a beautiful ball to Salah, solid defensively AND almost bangs in a screamer. The future is bright.

Elliott & Keita – N/A

6 minute run out. Speaks to our depth when we’re all salivating for more minutes from these two..