Liverpool 1 Stoke 0: Player ratings as Mignolet saves the Reds

Liverpool

1

Stoke

0

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet Looked shaky in his first Premier League start in a Liverpool shirt. Produced one top stop to deny Walters from open play before winning over the Kop with a penalty save in the 88th minute.7/10.

Glen Johnson Offered an outlet for the Liverpool midfielders with his willingness to run the length of the touchline. 6.

Kolo Toure Replacing retired Jamie Carragher, Toure effortlessly slotted into Brendan Rodgers’ defence, using all his Premier League nous. 6.

Daniel Agger The new vice-captain at the Merseyside outfit, the Dane handled Stoke’s physical presence well. However, his handball led to a 88th-minute penalty. Rescued by his goalkeeper. 5.

Jose Enrique Had a great first-half chance after neat exchange with Aspas but Begovic denied the Spaniard. Solid otherwise. 6

Steven Gerrard (captain) Not the Liverpool captain’s best performance as he was guilty of a couple of misplaced passes at Anfield. 6.

Leiva Lucas Helped break up Stoke’s infrequent attacks. 5.

Jordan Henderson Hit the woodwork in the second half after being picked
ahead of Joe Allen. Rarely put a foot wrong. 6.

Iago Aspas Was a willing runner throughout as he led the Liverpool line. Produced a number of nice touches and cunning turns. A bright Premier League debut. 7.

Phillippe Coutinho The Brazilian looks set to continue his impressive Premier League form from last season. A constant threat and his passing was exceptional. 8.

Daniel Sturridge (man of the match) In the absence of Luis Suarez, Sturridge thrived as he scored an impressive long-range strike while linking well with Aspas and Coutinho. 8.

Substitutes

Raheem Sterling N/A.

Stoke

Asmir Begovic Brilliant in defeat. The Serbian proved to be a human wall in Stoke’s goal. While he was beaten by Sturridge, the goalkeeper produced a string of world-class saves. 7.

Geoff Cameron Most memorable contribution was a tumble into the Anfield stands after a clash with Enrique. Given a torrid time by Coutinho. 4.

Ryan Shawcross (captain) Solid, as expected, despite Liverpool pressure. Used his height and strength to keep Aspas at close quarters. 5.

Robert Huth Hit the crossbar with an early chance from a Stoke corner. 5.

Erik Pieters New signing from Barcelona. Didn’t trouble Liverpool’s defence. 4.

Glenn Whelan The Republic of Ireland international covered a lot of ground as Liverpool dominated the possession stakes. 5.

Steven Nzonzi Was a powerhouse in the Stoke midfield. The visitors standout out-field player. 6.

Marc Wilson Asked to deputise for the ill Wilson Palacios. Offered little. 4.

Jonathan Walters Had a quiet afternoon as Stoke struggled to provide the forward with any sort of service. 4.

Peter Crouch Didn’t have much joy at his former club. Agger and Toure kept the giant striker quiet. 5.

Matthew Etherington Didn’t get a chance to test Liverpool’s defence. 5.

Substitutes

Jermaine Pennant Returned to his former haunting ground but couldn’t change the outcome of the match. 4

Kenwyne Jones N/A.

Charlie Adam Couple of nice passes did little else. 4.