Well, that was hugely enjoyable and a fantastic result. As I mused in a thread yesterday, it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility that his Villa selection could work, with some tweaks regarding positional discipline, but I wonder how much of that selection was based around availability of injured players.
In any case, it worked brilliantly.
Ratings:
Mignolet (7). Another who required a big display, and he was up to the task. Some good saves and solid on setpieces.
Flanno (8.). Blood and thunder tackling and simply never gave up. Pienarr got nothing out of him, although he did struggle to contain the excellent Mirallas, but he wasn't alone there.
Skrtel (8.). Performing heroics in central defence lately. Powerful in the air and gave Everton little quarter.
Toure (7). Some Keystone Cops clearances, and is still cumbersome at times especially when faced with tricky, pacy players, but deserved to be part of a cleansheet defence.
Cissokho (6). Went from the sublime to the ridiculous, often within the space of 10 seconds, but worked hard and made some good interceptions. Still nowhere near good enough though. Djimi Traore with muscles.
Gerrard (8.). Disciplined, powerful, some great passing and tackling, plus a marvellous goal. A true Captain's display from the greatest Captain we have ever had.
Henderson (7). Not as eye-catching as others, but that's not really his game. Worked tirelessly and supported Gerrard in the defensive duties much better than the Villa game.
Coutinho (8.). His passing was crisp and penetrating and Everton couldn't contain his movement. Very good display and lovely delivery for the first Sturridge goal.
Sterling (8.). Like everyone else, an almost demonic workrate. His pace lacerated Everton's backline time and again, and his defensive work was laudable. Having a wonderful period of form, and hopefully he can get even better. Unlucky not to score, and won the penalty.
Suarez (9). Never stopped moving, running and creating. Popped up all across the forward line, tackled back, harried and then unleashed his deadly destructive talents almost at will. He was like quicksilver in football boots and Everton simply had no answer to him. Great goal too. Some player.
Sturridge (9). Hopeless penalty and some signs of the greed and petulance that blighted his time at previous clubs. But quite simply unstoppable. He has an array of tricks, a huge variety of finishes, is incredibly quick and powerful. Having to face Suarez and Sturridge must be a living nightmare for defenders and we haven't had two players this dangerous and potent in tandem for Liverpool since Rush and Dalglish.
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