Amazing attacking display and great all round performance, that was exactly what we needed, that will give us a good amount of arrogance and confidence going into the next couple of games, the players of our team and other teams alike knowing we still have that attacking brilliance in our locker. Real confidence boost.
We looked strong defensively, starting with Mignolet, didn't have much to do but kept his concentration well, made a brilliant save and his distribution was better. Manquillo looked strong, upgrade from Johnson (not hard) he kept the width well and linked up well with Henderson, was rash in a challenge which cost him a yellow but made several great interceptions and blocks and stuck tight to his man which i like to see. Lovren and Sakho were shaky at times, Lovren seemed uneasy in trusting Sakho all the time which needs to change (we saw this with Lovren taking Sakho's header and missing, leaving us exposed) but both of them unlike the Skrtel - Lovren partnership are strong and quick enough to recover making an non issue.
Special mention to Moreno, who for me was my man of the match. His hunger to win the ball is what i like most about him, he has balls of steel and is fearless, doesn't matter who is in his way, he is going to fight tooth and nail to get that ball. And after an injury, after an individual mistake which arguably changed the game last week, he comes out and plays with such heart, such hunger and desire was brilliant for me. When he won the ball and made that run for his goal, he gave it everything to make it happen and boy he did, brilliant performance.
Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge all looked equally good in my opinion, Henderson bossed the midfield, did his job and compensated for Gerrard and arguably Allen's poor performances (in my eyes), he pressed superbly and kept us ticking well and played a brilliant ball for the Sterling goal. Sterling himself was what we needed in that 10 role, on the ball all the time, looking to win it back whenever lost and always running at players causing them to commit allowing space for Sturridge and Balotelli, which is essential for us. Sturridge did enough to look good for me, couple wasted shots but his play on the ball was superb, at times he does too much but today i was impressed with his ability when running with the ball.
Balotelli, well, well, well. Who said his lazy? He was everywhere, pressing tackling, clearing the ball in defense, the only thing his game lacked was a goal which he could of easily had. The difference in that performance and Coutinho's last week was clear to see, Balotelli tried his utmost best to close down and grind for the team at every chance. He may not have scored but he had a great influence on the game.
All in all a brilliant attacking display, with a strong defensive showing behind it. Come on Redmen onto the next one.
P.S - Markovic and Can both looked class when coming on.
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