Liverpool laboured to a predictable draw against struggling Tottenham Hotspur as they failed to jump back into the top four.
The Reds looked to be heading for an important three points, but in a turn of events which surprised nobody, they threw it away late on.
There were some decent performers on the day and, as usual, some poor ones. Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players on another frustrating afternoon at Anfield.
Three words to sum up another awful performance?
Is anyone surprised anymore?
Defence
Alisson Becker: 8 (Man of the Match) – Good save from Souza’s strike from distance in the first-half, and an even better one to keep out Richarlison with a header before half time. Saved well from Richarlison again in the second half and was also much better with his feet.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 7 – Did well up against the lively Mathys Tel at right-back before firing in a trademark free-kick. Guglielmo Vicario should have done better, but it was a decent strike which underlined his importance to this team.
Joe Gomez: 5 – Initially composed on a rare start at centre-back, but a missed header in the second half almost caused an issue and
Virgil van Dijk: 6 – Largely quiet save for one impressive moment where he did just enough to hold Richarlison off and distract him as he bared down on goal.
Andy Robertson: 3 – Inexplicably lost a long ball which allowed Tottenham to score late on and was woeful going forward all afternoon.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch: 7 – Lovely ball to free Florian Wirtz during a first-half which saw him striding forward like the Gravenberch of last season. Went close with a good effort from the edge of the area and was much better in winning his battles as well.
Alexis Mac Allister: 6 – Did brilliantly to win the free-kick which led to Szoboszlai’s goal and did equally well in a tight space to set up Cody Gakpo, who hit the post. Much better in and out of possession than has been the case recently but did fade during the second-half where some sloppiness came into his game.
Florian Wirtz: 6 – Typically tidy to create a good chance for Gakpo before another excellently timed pass freed Rio Ngumoha in the area. Worked hard and showed plenty of nice touches, but faded before being replaced on 63 minutes.
Who was Liverpool’s best player on another poor day at Anfield?
Not many to choose from…
Attack
Jeremie Frimpong: 5 – Worked hard but couldn’t really get the better of Djed Spence.
Cody Gakpo: 7 – Started slowly through the middle but grew into the game. Hit the post with a good, low effort and worked hard to win possession in advanced positions. One brilliant piece of play to win the ball back and play in Mohamed Salah with the outside of boot suggested confidence may be returning.
Rio Ngumoha: 7 – Looked bright as ever and grew into the game brilliantly after a slow start. Was a constant threat, forcing Vicario into a second half save and setting up Wirtz for a decent opening which he should have done better with. A very encouraging first Premier League start. Withdrawn just after the hour.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones: 4 – Didn’t make much of an impact.
Mohamed Salah: 6 -Came on and immediately added some pace and intensity to Liverpool’s drifting performance. Showcased why he may be a better option from the bench these days.
Hugo Ekitike: 5 – Looked bright and was straight into the action but skied one effort when well positioned with his left foot and couldn’t collect another from a good square ball from Salah.
Trey Nyoni: N/A
Federico Chiesa: N/A
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