LIVERPOOL
Jose Reina - 7.0 - Produced a wonder save to deny Keane from close range, then again moments later, but was helpless to stop Assou-Ekotto’s piledriver flying into his top corner. Made another flying save from Palacios in the second period, but was left exposed by his defenders at Bassong's clincher.
Glen Johnson - 7.0 - The £18m purchase was bought for his attacking ability as much as his defensive qualities, and his marauding run through Spurs' defence prompted Gomes to bring him down and win his side a valuable penalty.
Jamie Carragher - 5.5 - Played with a huge bandage protecting staples in a gash on his head, and seemed affected by the blow as Keane was given time and space in the area on three separate occasions. Let Bassong escape him for the winning goal.
Martin Skrtel - 5.5 - Struggled following clash of heads with partner Carragher, and struggled to keep tabs on the movement of Defoe and Keane afterwards. Eventually had to be replaced due to the knock he received, and it was an afternoon to forget for the Slovakian.
Emiliano Insua - 6.0 - Given the nod at left-back and dealt reasonably well with the threat of Lennon, but his delivery in the final third on his rare forays forward were not of sufficient quality.
Javier Mascherano - 6.5 - An extremely difficult afternoon for the Argentine, who found it tough get the better of Palacios in the centre of the pitch. He could not exert his influence on the match as he would have liked.
Lucas - 5.0 - Given the unenviable role of replacing Xabi Alonso in Liverpool's engine room, and was completely anonymous as the Reds were dominated in central midfield. Offered little as an offensive threat, and could not get the better of the impressive Palacios.
Dirk Kuyt - 5.5 - The Dutchman has warmed to his switch from striker to right winger, but for all his enterprise he struggled to provide any kind of service to Torres, and rarely managed to infiltrate the Spurs back-line.
Steven Gerrard - 6.5 - Not at his vibrant best, although may not be fully fit, but remained the only Liverpool player who appeared dangerous in the final third. Coolly slotted home the penalty that brought his side level, but will be hugely disappointed at an opening day defeat.
Ryan Babel - 5.5 - Surely this must be the season for Babel to come to prominence, but it was another inadequate performance from the Dutchman. Rarely drove at Corluka, who is not a natural full-back, and was unsurprisingly hooked by Benitez just after the hour mark.
Fernando Torres - 6.0 - The Spaniard was starved of service all afternoon, and got little change out of the impressive King and Bassong partnership. Cut a lonely figure as Gerrard dropped deeper to gain possession, and was isolatd by his teammates inability to provide him with any kind of decent chances on goal.
Substitutes
Yossi Benayoun - 5.0 - Looked infinitely more dangerous during his short period on the pitch that Babel, and slipped a superb pass through to Voronin that should have resulted in a penalty being awarded.
Andriy Voronin - 5.0 - May be his last match for Liverpool is reports are to be believed, but was denied a certain penalty kick in the closing stages after he was clearly fouled as he looked to shoot.
Daniel Ayala - N/A
Saw these rating on Liverpool newsnow - yahoo what do people think, I think they are a fair assessment.
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