Had time to consider the performance and yet again that's the perfromance and result of Champions. I've tried long enough to contain my excitement but I'm sold now, we can definitely win this thing.
I thought Brendan got things close to spot on but I wouldn't have started Coutinho, it would have been him who missed out for Allen. Allen and Hendo played big parts in that game, so much so that had Hendo scored his huge opportunity he would have been my MotM.
Suarez though was truly exceptional, if I did the shift he put in today I wouldn't be able to walk for a week, the lad was exhausted after 15mins and maintained that level near thoughout the match and was still moving brilliantly late into the 2nd half. We talk about Hendo's engine but honestly I believe Luis out ran him today.
Ratings for the lads:
Mignolet: 7, very poor distribution in the first half but a couple of really strong punches and a fantastic save made up for that.
Flanagan: 5, thought he was poor thoughout the game and was probably our weakest defender on the day.
Skrtel: 6, thought he was also poor, especially in the 1st half, improved in the 2nd but still I have very little confidence in him these days.
Agger: 7, our best defender and was glad to have him in the side again.
Johnson: 7, just behind Agger, got caught out of position a few times but was also calm in possession while looking a shade below match fitness.
Gerrard: 8, played really well and offered a lot of protection for all those around him, strong penalty too with a lot less pressure that his previous last minute one.
Allen: 7, got out muscled a little too much and that remains a worry but his pressing and work-rate was needed in there and deserves to keep his place. Needs to be careful with the square passes though.
Henderson: 8, missed a glorious opportunity and really needs to develop some composure because when he does he could develop into a 10 goal a season man. He is starting to arrive in the box at the right times, he's starting to understand when to take chances to increase our chances of scoring. Great work defensively too and I thought he did well throughout the game.
Coutinho: 3, shocking, a performance best forgotten.
Sturridge: 7, worked hard, unlucky not to keep his streak going. Needs just a little bit more work on that right foot, but if he keeps trying it will improve, it's when players refuse to even try with their weaker foot that it becomes a major worry and he is trying all the time. The pass through to Suarez was the right choice but just poor execution and so was rounding the keeper, just a lighter touch or a better finish and he'd have had a goal and an assist right there. His movement throughout the game though was exceptional.
Suarez: 9, stunning work rate, great goal, 2 assists and even when he did give it away one time showed the level of desire you can't teach and Coutinho could do with watching. Outstanding today was Luis, you know what you're going to get with him but it still never fails to impress me.
Sterling: Hard to give him a figure but he really did play fantastic when coming on, the pace Saints played in the first half obviously made his impact a bit easier on the young lad but he is absolutely frightening. Will be straight back in the side in the next game.
Aspas: Didn't have much time to do anything.
Brendan: Loved his celebration, loved his wave to the crowd in acknowledgement, loved his post match, well done Boss.
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