Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City: Colourless Reds Hit A Block In The Top-4 Race
Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a gutsy Stoke City side at the Anfield in the Premier League, earlier in the day.
The Merseysiders were the dominant force throughout the game, creating a horde of chances. However, some sloppy finishing, especially from leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah, coupled with some committed and disciplined defending from the Potters.
There were a few dodgy decisions from the referee, the biggest one coming when Liverpool were denied a penalty claim after Stoke left-back Erik Pieters had the ball bounce off his arm. The visitors too had a great chance late in the game to steal all three points but captain Ryan Shawcross couldn’t find the back of the net from close range.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Loris Karius – 6/10
The German goalkeeper had hardly anything to do for much parts of the game given how little threat Stoke could muster up in the attack.
Joe Gomez – 5.5/10
The Englishman wasn’t off to the best of the starts at right-back. Looked nervy and did not show the eagerness to get forward consistently. Improved after the break.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.5/10
The club record signing was once again the Reds’ most reliable defender on the day. Headed away everything that came his way, carried the ball out from the back. Was booked late on.
Ragnar Klavan – 6.5/10
Apart from a couple of sloppy passes, the Estonian centre-half was pretty solid at the back, alongside Van Dijk. Dealt with the danger of former Liverpool man Peter Crouch.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Apart from being beaten once by Xherdan Shaqiri, the Spaniard was mostly solid at left-back. Showed his pace on a couple of occasions. An improved performance when compared to his previous outing against West Bromwich Albion.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
Handed a start in the middle of the park, the right-back started off a little shoddy but improved. Had a chance to score after being set up by Salah but missed the opportunity.
Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The Liverpool captain put in a solid shift in the middle of the park. Was an effective outlet, starting attacks from the middle and wasn’t shy of his defensive duties when needed.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
The Netherlands international did the basics well in the midfield. Held the ball well, did not concede possession and sprayed some nice passes to try and get his team going.
Mohamed Salah – 5.5/10
Without a doubt, one of his poorest performances in a Liverpool shirt. Missed a glorious chance to give his team the lead, and then sliced a free-kick wide. Wasn’t at his best.
Roberto Firmino – 5.5/10
Tried hard to influence the game, but flitted in and out of it mostly.
Danny Ings – 6/10
Starting in place of Sadio Mane, the former Burnley man had a goal ruled out for offside in the first period.
Substitutes
Nathaniel Clyne – 6/10
Came on for Ings in the 65th minute. Looked to add more impetus going forward.
James Milner – 6.5/10
Replaced Alexander-Arnold in the 65th minute. Livened up the proceedings, sending in some dangerous crosses into the box towards the end of the game.