Very good performance after a rather poor start by a lot of our players, most notably the defence.
Migs: Thought overall he had a decent game, one very good save one very poor attempt and one really poor clearance. Other than that did his job very well. 6.5
Milner: They didn't get much joy down his side and as ever James was relentless all game. Need a bit more from his deliveries though. 7
Klavan: Another strong display from him and is making it a tough enough decision who steps out when Matip is fit, which is all he can do. Proper competition for a change is lovely to see. 7
Lovren: Thought he made a hash of a lot of things early on and certainly compounded our problems too often. Once we'd gone into the lead though he started to look like the Lovren of a few games ago. So a bit of a mixed bag for Dejan. (Did have to laugh when Mick claimed Bobby denied him an assist after the pass was hip height and behind him, but hey different strokes I suppose
) 6.5
Clyne: Nearly all of Stokes penetration came down our right and Clyne wasn't producing any answers. Was at fault for their goal on 2 occasions, one not clearing when Mane gave him the chance then not double teaming on the crosser, there was no runners and he just floated into space and made himself irrelevant. Going forward he offered very little again. 6
Henderson: Thought he had a very poor opening 20 minutes and Crouchy was right in criticsing his passes, they were very poor indeed. Grew into the game though and by the end of it was playing very well indeed. 7.5
Wijnaldum: Some say he's effective without being noticed but I'd buy that more from the DM position not the one further up. He needs to influence games more, granted he did have a good chance taken off his toe by Lallana but still so much of the play gets slowed down with Gini and he isn't currently offering enough for me to be convinced he's the long term answer. Sure a decent player who is good to have in the squad that can do a job but I just don't see that star quality just yet. 6.5
Lallana: Excellent again from Adam. Definite contender for our player of the season. Relentless, effective and becoming so much more efficient. Having said that he did take on 2 shots where either leaving for Gini or passing for Origi would have been better. That's easily forgiven given his overall display though. Exceptional player right now and is right up there for best player in the league. 8.5 (Just shaded MotM)
Firmino: Unlucky to have one cleared off the line and linked play really well. While I don't think the left is anywhere near his best position he's proving he can still be very good from a wide area. Another relentless player and between the lot of them we really did squeeze the life out of Stoke once we got the equaliser, cracking response. 7.5
Origi: Thought he was exceptional. Best interplay I've seen from him since he's been at the club, in fact it was an absolute leap from recent weeks. Reminded me of how Drogba likes to play, just dropping a few yards off a defender and getting a clean pass off to the wings but at pace. Best I've seen from Origi and if he'd stayed on a little longer he'd have been MotM in all probability. 8.5
Mane: Going to miss this lad when he goes to the AFCON, he's absolutely exceptonal. Nice pressure to force the OG, always an outlet and Stoke couldn't handle him at all. Another contender for our player of the season and much like Origi he only just lost out for MotM by a rizla paper. 8.5
Sturridge: Nice late Christmas gift he received but finished it very well.
Can: Looked hungry to me, clearly trying to force his way back into the side.
Klopp: Got the response he'd like to see after a poor early start. Nice to be able to take off 3 of our better players with a view to the City game. Let's hope that makes a difference because that's a huge match but this could have been a banana skin and we avoided it very well indeed.
Cracking result lads and overall a very good performance.
