Many expected another rampant Liverpool performance as relegation candidates Sunderland visited Anfield on Saturday, but it was pretty much the opposite on a cold winters afternoon at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp named an unchanged side for the first time in 41 games, with Phillipe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino leading the line, while Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana were both sidelined. The Reds started the game on the front foot, and that never changed across the entire game. The first half was a pretty scrappy affair, with Liverpool trying to break down the double decker bus that Sunderland manager David Moyes has often come to Anfield with. As far as chances go, there wasn’t a lot to write home about. Dejan Lovren flashed a header wide, Gini Wijnaldum had a couple of efforts while Loris Karius had to be sharp at the other end of the pitch. The main talking point was Philippe Coutinho being stretchered off midway through the half after taking a heavy knock to the ankle in a 50/50. That disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm and maybe distracted the players, but that would all change in the second half. At the time of writing, there is no update on Coutinho’s condition, but it is believed that the ankle isn’t broken or fractured.
The second half was all about how Sunderland could hold out before Liverpool scored. You felt it could be one of those days, much like last week at St Marys during that 0-0 draw. Sadio Mane was disappointing for the majority of the game, his decision making was severely lacking and this told in some attacks. Emre Can flashed an effort on the half volley just wide as Sunderland’s resistance against the Liverpool onslaught continued. Sunderland nearly capitalised on a goal mouth scramble after good work from Loris Karius, but it was a Jurgen Klopp inspired boost in the atmosphere that contributed to Liverpool opening the scoring. The lively Divock Origi picked up the ball on the left of the area, before cutting back inside and curling an effort past Jordan Pickford to send Anfield into raptures. It was in added time when Liverpool doubled their advantage after a great run by Sadio Mane was halted by a foul in the area, and James Milner stepped up to convert the penalty. 17 year old Ben Woodburn came on for the last couple of minutes to get his first team debut, in a nice moment. A deserved win for Liverpool, only marred by a potentially serious injury for Coutinho.
Embed from Getty Images
Talking Points
1. Patience is key.
What was pleasing about this performance, is unlike the Burnley game, Liverpool stayed cool for the full game and it reaped it rewards. Rather than lose their heads and shoot from all angles, the team continued to play their football and they got their reward for it with a lovely goal from Origi. Unlike Burnley when a lot of Liverpool’s attacking play ended up as a goal kick, they huffed and puffed until Sunderland’s house was blown down. Further evidence that Klopp’s philosophy and instructions work.
2. The loss of Coutinho won’t halt Liverpool’s challenge.
As big of a player that Coutinho is for us, being without him for a period of time will be disappointing but not crucial. Divock Origi came on in his place and was superb, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana are due back from knocks imminently as is youngster Sheyi Ojo. Granted, Coutinho’s talent is immense and he’s been a match winner for Liverpool countless times, but it’s all about the system Jurgen Klopp employs, and others are capable of coming on and filling that gap. But let’s hope the magician isn’t out for a while.
3. Loris Karius is really showing his potential.
After a slow start to his Liverpool career (as much as that should have been expected), Loris Karius has really progressed as of late. Despite the comical pass that went out for a corner, he was alert today and made some superb stops to deny Sunderland attacks. He wasn’t voted the second best keeper in Germany for no reason, and if he continues on this path, there’s no reason he won’t fulfil that potential with Liverpool.
Embed from Getty Images
Player Ratings
Loris Karius – 7
Apart from one bizarre moment, Karius was very solid today. Some vital stops kept the scores level, but not troubled after the first goal. Best performance so far.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7
Was the marked, rather than the marker by Victor Anichebe, which shown Sunderland’s attitude for the game. Had no need for defending mainly, and got forward well.
Joel Matip – 7
A couple n of nervey moments, but as cool and assured for the majority of the game. Contributed to keeping the dangerous Defoe quiet. Still amazed he cost nothing.
Dejan Lovren – 7
Cleaned up at the back well, and got forward often. Should have scored in the first half, before blazing a long range shot wide.
James Milner – 7
Similarly to Clyne, not much defensive work needed. Spent most his time on the attack, and slotted his penalty home with ease.
Gini Wijnaldum – 7
Despite the fact he’s an attacking midfielder, and you can tell that, he’s very disciplined and puts his defensive work first. Very much the same today but got forward to good effect.
Jordan Henderson – 8.5
Excellent performance against his former club. Completed the most passes and assisted the first goal. Made two superb tracebacks in the second half driving the team forward.
Emre Can – 7
Grew into the game very well. Could be accused of being too slow on the ball to start with, but did really well contributing to the attack in the second half. Unlucky not to score.
Philippe Coutinho – 6
Wasn’t his usual self before the injury, man marked out of the game. Hoping the injury isn’t as bad as it looked.
Sadio Mane – 6.5
A unusually poor game from Mane, decision making was off on more than one occasion. Did excellently for the second goal with his run though, still dangerous while not playing that well.
Roberto Firmino – 7.5
His usual energetic self, always running and trying to bring others into play. Unlucky not to get a goal, but had an effort straight at Pickford
Man of the match – Jordan Henderson
Written by Martin Turner
The post Liverpool vs Sunderland: Match Analysis appeared first on AnfieldHQ.