Mignolet: his positioning and weak hand for Stoke's goal was his only major mistake, and it could have been a costly one had Stoke have managed to squeeze another in, in that opening period when we were at 6's and 7's at the back. Mig's did make a decent save from chicken Allen's shot and everything else he did was solid enough. 6
Clyne: solid defensively as usual, the "machine" got up and down the flanks it's just a shame he lacks the panache in the final third. Clyne gave Mane an earful for allowing their wide man to cross in for Walters' goal. 6.5
Milner: similar to Clyne he was very industrious up and down the flanks, defended well and found himself in some good positions in the final third. Seemed to carry more of a threat than Clyne going forward with a couple of sighters on goal. 7
Lovren: started the game poorly in my opinion, and is certainly no leader at the back. When the defense was at 6's and 7's and at the mercy of the preying mantis (Peter Crouch), Lovren was pretty much all at sea. Himself and Klavan really struggled with Walters and Crouch, and Lovren's positional sense at times leaves a lot to be desired. Speaking of Walters, Lovren was guilty of ball watching as Walters ran across him to head in at Mignolet's near post. The Croatian did get better as the game went on, largely because the team managed to control the game and get on the front foot. But when it's time to baton down the hatches he does seem to be a bit of worry. 6
Klavan: didn't look quite as composed as he usually does, especially in the opening half hour, their two forwards asked some serious questions of him and Lovren. 6
Henderson: thought this was one of his poorer performances. The industry was there as usual but the passing was off today, the amount of times his passing went wayward in this game wasn't good enough for a player known for playing the percentage passes. 6
Gini: had an okay game in midfield and offered his usual slick neat passing, he did find it difficult like most to get into the match early on but worked his arse off. 6.5
Lallana: so good at flitting between the lines, scored a crucial goal from a tight angle, and always looked to make something happen. 7
Firmino: the much maligned drink driver who some were hell bent on wanting dropped. It was good that Klopp saw common sense and allowed legal proceedings to run their course. He has gone off the boil, no doubt about that but we're thin with options right now.
Funnily, the excuses made for Bobby now (playing wide), were the exact same criticisms Sturridge came in for with his cameo wide role against Burnley. When fluidity was the buzzword Sturridge should have performed better. Now that Firmino is wide, that's his excuse for fading. However, credit to Firmino to put Christmas Eve behind him, to come on, and take a really nice goal. That will do him good. 7
Origi: struggled to get in the game, made an assist of the o.g. 6
Mane: another industrious display from the African. Looks our most likely at times, works hard and puts himself about. Carries a real threat and was a thorn in Stoke's side. 7
Sturridge: what an introduction, had the instinct in opportunity to pick up Shawcrosses back pass, control and then drag it round the keeper to neatly finish off a gift from Stoke. Good twenty minutes that from Studge.7
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