The Reds Retrospective

On a windy night in the Stadium of Light, Liverpool have gone and gotten a much needed win and clean sheet on the road. In what may not have been the most clinical nor the most potent performance, the Reds consistently seemed in control of proceedings en route to the win.

Virgil Van Dijk’s headed goal (’61) was the difference, and Liverpool became the first team to defeat Sunderland in the Stadium of Light this season. A job well done from the team, and here are my ratings for the day.

Referee, Chris Kavanaugh: 6
I thought Kavanaugh did well today, a few good non calls that benefited both sides. A game that was well managed.

Alisson: 7
Alisson didn’t have much to do today but he commanded his box well in a clean performance. Kept a clean sheet.

Wataru Endo: 7
Amidst the crisis of options at right back, Wataru Endo was called upon by Arne Slot to start only his second Premier League game under the Dutchman’s management. I thought that Endo played a great game on the right, offering support in defense and possession. Shame to see him stretchered off, and we wish him all the best as we await news on his injury. Replaced by Joe Gomez in the 69th minute.

Virgil Van Dijk: 8
Anytime your captain center-back scores the game winning header in a 1-0 win it is difficult to call it anything less than a great performance.

Ibrahima Konate: 8
Another great performance from Ibou since his return to the squad. Awesome to see him have such a good run of form after the criticism he faced in the first half of the campaign. Had Brian Brobbey in his pocket all night long in what was a physical matchup.

Andrew Robertson: 7
Not as quick as he once was, but Andy Robertson remains a consummate professional that the Reds can depend upon to do a job when his number is called. Apart of a back four that had a shutout win. Dinked a great cross into Hugo Ekitike late in the second half that really should have been an assist to a goal that iced it. Good performance.

Ryan Gravenberch: 6.5
I thought Gravenberch was okay tonight in the win, a similar feeling I have for his partner deep in the midfield Alexis Mac Allister. I still have the feeling all too often that performances aren’t the most smooth from the two of them. There is more in the tank in the midfield that we are not seeing.

Alexis Mac Allister: 6.5
See the above, same sentiment.

Cody Gakpo: 5.5
Cody still continues to show how little he has to offer with whatever he may create. At what point does Chiesa or Jones get an opportunity to start? Replaced by Curtis Jones in the 75th minute, who showed plenty more energy. More on that when we get to Curtis’s rating.

Florian Wirtz: 6.5
Unlucky to strike the post in the first half, and seemed dangerous at times. Just wasn’t able to leave his mark today.

Mohamed Salah: 5.5
Again not there, I want to see him and Gakpo given a rest against Brighton at the weekend. It’s a shame to have to say it.

Hugo Ekitike: 6
Wasteful with what he created. Replaced by Federico Chiesa in the 88th minute.

Joe Gomez – Subbed on (’69): 6.5
Great to see Gomez back on the pitch from injury. He was probably called on earlier than Arne Slot would have idealized, but he helped us to seal a clean sheet for 30 odd minutes. Welcome back Joe, we are going to continue to need you.

Curtis Jones – Subbed on (’75): 6.5
Showed great energy after he was subbed on, and it looked like he had a point to prove. He can play where he was subbed on for Cody Gakpo, or he can replace Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield. Give him a run Arne.

Federico Chiesa (’88) – N/R
Subbed on too late to receive a rating.

Manager, Arne Slot: 6
A 1-0 win against an unbeaten home side in Sunderland is a good result with that context applied. However, this Liverpool team continues to show this fanbase’s greatest strife with Arne’s tactics this year. The inability to create clear cut chances or periods of attacking dominance persists. Our lone goal came from the set piece, and I can hardly remember a high end scoring chance in open play (maybe one or two). On another day we were only good enough to get a point. Maybe it’s time to reward effort – I think Endo’s performance prior to his injury proves there’s more to this squad than Slot may think.

Man of the Match: Ibrahima Konate
I feel like I could have gone one of two ways with this one in the center of defense, and I am opting for Ibou. He’s been due with his performances since his return to the team, and he was extremely impressive in a physical battle with Brian Brobbey. BOUUUUUUUU.