Liverpool survived an FA Cup upset as they held Exeter to a 2-2 draw, the fact that Liverpool only started with Jose Enrique and Christian Benteke as the most notable players would be a testament to the resolve and grit of their youngsters and Exeter would feel that this was a chance lost to progress into the next round.
The home side took the lead thanks to a quick goal from Nichols but Liverpool equalised just as quickly thanks to Jerome Sinclair, who slotted the ball past the opposing goalkeeper. Much had been talked about Liverpool’s goalkeeping problems and with Adam Bogdan starting in place of Simon Mignolet, the Hungarian didn’t really impress many when he let a corner straight into the net thus giving Exeter the lead.
Liverpool came out all guns blazing in the second half and it was the impressive Bradley Smith who scored the equaliser for the Reds after some good work from substitute Sheyi Ojo. Liverpool at least have a chance of salvaging the tie when they face Exeter at home and hopefully can get the win to progress into the next round.
Here are the ratings for the Liverpool players from the FA Cup third round match.
Adam Bogdan – 4/10
The goalkeeping problems continue for Liverpool and Bogdan seems to be as big a liability for the Reds as Mignolet. He was responsible for the second goal and really needs to work hard if he wants to have a future at Liverpool.
Brad Smith – 8/10
The stand out player for Liverpool, Smith was brilliant down the left and was often pushed to a more advanced role. His tenacity and persistence to get in the box gave him the opportunity for the second goal which he took extremely well.
Tiago Ilori – 6/10
The recalled defender didn’t really do much to enhance his reputation but he still needs time like most of the squad does.
Jose Enrique – 6/10
Jose Enrique looked like a man who had not played first team football in a while. He was often caught out thanks to the long balls and pace of the Exeter forwards.
Connor Randall – 7/10
The right-back was one of the few stellar performers for Liverpool and should get more playing time for the Reds.
Cameron Brannagan – 8/10
The youngster was great for Liverpool in midfield and was often the reason for the attacks launched by the team.
Kevin Stewart – 6/10
Stewart didn’t really have a great game for Liverpool and hopefully he will get a few more chances to prove his ability.
Ryan Kent – 6/10
Kent was also another player who was recalled from loan and didn’t do anything that stood out during the game.
Joao Teixeira – 6/10
There are high hopes for Teixeira and he did show some great moments in the first half but he faded in the second half against Exeter.
Jerome Sinclair – 7/10
Got the first goal for Liverpool with an instinctive finish and was a bigger threat due to his pace and movement than Benteke.
Christian Benteke – 5/10
The Big Belgian was anonymous in the first half but came to life in the second half, though he needs to take better positions if he is to score goals for the Reds.
Substitutes
Pedro Chirivella – 6/10
The young Spaniard came on for Ryan Kent in the second half and did a stellar job in midfield.
Sheyi Ojo – 7/10
The attacker who was called from Wolves was brilliant for the Reds in the second half and should get more games under his belt.
Joe Maguire – 6/10
Came on to replace Tiago Ilori and didn’t really do much wrong for Liverpool in the second half.