A FEW OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GAME TONIGHT: PRESTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool travelled to the Deepdale to take on Preston North End in the Carabao Cup and earned a 2-0 victory. There were debuts for several youngsters as Minamino and Origi scored to claim the win. Preston were the better side first half and should have gone ahead bar the intervention of Adrian. The Reds rallied second half and let their superior quality shine through. Read on for player ratings from the game tonight.

Adrian – 8.5

Kept us in the game with two crucial saves. One on one with Potts and he stayed big to make the save. Followed it up with a point blank save from a dangerous cross. Made a more comfortable save on his near post late on. His distribution was sound too, he was quick with his passing. Good performance from the now third choice goalie.

Williams – 7

Made a goalline block with his face! Then was involved in both goals and could have had a third. He was involved in all the big moments of the match. His run and cross for Minamino opened the scoring before his blocked shot looped up to Origi to finish. Should have laid on a tap in for Minamino but he saw his name in lights and went alone but put his shot too close to the keeper. He played right wing when Bradley came on. Some rough edges but for the big moments he was involved in, he deserves some credit.

Matip – 6

Tried to play out from the back to set off attacking moves. Was kept honest with some runs in behind that tested our offside trap. Taken off at halftime. I’m assuming that was a pre-planned sub. Hopefully he’s not injured.

Gomez – 8

Was shaky first half. Gave away the ball that led to the Adrian point blank save and Williams block on the line. Second half he was much better. Relished the challenge of the foot race with runners from deep. Swept up pretty much every attack that came down his side second half. His passing was assured too. Clean sheet.

Tsimikas – 5

Not at his best tonight. His delivery was off and his passing wasn’t on either. They targeted the space in behind him first half and got some joy down that side. Second half he switched on to their plan and shut them down. He was more conservative and stayed in position to deal with balls down his side. Battled well and won his duels. His overhit cross hit the crossbar and led to the second goal.

Morton – 8.5

Impressive from the 18 year old. He’s so neat and tidy on the ball, always seems to know where his next pass is going before he even gets on the ball. Sat at the base of midfield and did a yeoman’s job. Played the pass of the match too when his diagonal put Williams through for the opener. Showed lovely feet late on to wriggle out of a right spot. Not shy to throw in a big tackle either. Probably MOTM with Adrian. He basically opened the game up with that pass.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5

Best moment was when he got away from his man with a feint and then curled a shot just wide of the post. It was a really good try and you wonder why he doesn’t do it often. That’s his best attribute, shooting from range, but he doesn’t do it enough. Just the two or three shots he attempted tonight. Aside that, he was poor. One instance when he horribly overhit a simple layoff out of play was hard to watch. Didn’t grab the game by the scruff of the neck at all. Left us with more questions than answers.

Jones – 5

Similar to Ox, not much impact. Gave the ball away too many times, his touch wasn’t the best. Another who you’d have expected to take the game by the scruff of the neck and dictate play but was quiet. Made one driving run from midfield but the shot lacked the power to trouble the keeper. Showed lovely feet late in the game to get away from two, but this wasn’t a performance to remember.

Blair – 5

Didn’t get in the game at all. Hardly got on the ball and when he did he was easily bullied off it. Made a good run in behind but Origi’s cross was just too high. He’ll never forget this game though, huge night for him. Subbed.

Origi – 7

Ran the channels all game but no one seemed to spot him or try and find him with a decent pass. Fed on scraps all game and was pretty anonymous till he improvised brilliantly to turn home a loose ball from close range. It was a genuinely outrageous finish as he scorpion kicked it over the keeper and into the net. Instinctive. Extends his record in the competition. Played in Neco Williams towards the end for his big chance.

Minamino – 6.5

Poor for large parts till Neco picked him out with a cross. It was an inventive finish as he leaped in the air to get his left shin on it to guide it into the far corner. Was otherwise very sloppy in possession. Too many poor touches and misplaced passes. The goal should give him confidence though, three now for the season.

Substitutes

Phillips – 7.5

Was solid when he came on. Won his headers and covered for his centre back partner when he needed to. Good distribution of the ball too. Clean sheet.

Bradley – 7.5

Impressed at right back with his energy and driving runs. Was a really good foil for Williams on the right wing. He can be very happy with that cameo.

Beck – N/A

Came on in added time. That was his debut if I’m not mistaken. Get in.

Dixon-Bonner – N/A

He’s been training with the first team a lot recently and got a brace for the U23s just a couple of days ago. Given his senior debut in injury time. He’ll be made up.

Jurgen Klopp

Made 11 changes to the side that strolled to a huge win at Old Trafford, handing full debuts to Tyler Morton and Harvey Blair. In what was a laboured first half performance, he kept faith in his men and they duly rewarded him in the end. He gave Phillips his first minutes of the season too and granted debuts to Beck and Dixon-Bonner. Great night for the Academy again, and we’re through to the quarter finals. City have been knocked out on penalties by West Ham. Chelsea, Spurs and Leicester remain in the competition. A decent quarter final draw and who knows?