PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 3-3 LEICESTER

Liverpool hosted Leicester City in the last 8 of the League Cup and fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3. Goalkeeper Kelleher then saved two penalties during the shootout to guide the hosts through to the semis 5-4 on penalties. Read on for player ratings from the game.

Kelleher – 9.5

Made a solid stop very early on after a Gomez error. Not much he could have done about their three goals. Made an excellent save to keep his side in it at 3-1 down when Dewsbury-Hall went through on goal. Swept up well behind his defence. Saved two penalties in the shootout. Ice cold Caoimhin!

Bradley – 6

Struggled. Gave the ball away and they broke to score their third goal. Battled well enough but Leicester pressed him fiercely down that side. He did manage one driving run and shot on the stroke of halftime that Schmeichel gathered.

Gomez – 6

Made several shocking errors, with Kelleher saving his blushes on one occasion and Vardy hitting the post on another. A long way from the player he can be. A bit all over the place. With this being his first start in two months, it’s understandable to be rusty, but tonight was worrying. Used his pace to cut out danger when he could.

Koumetio – 6

Caught on the ball once as he dawdled in possession and Leicester broke dangerously with Vardy almost netting his hat trick. Passed the ball well, very two footed and comfortable in possession. He was out of position a number of times after turnovers, Vardy’s first goal being a typical example.

Tsimikas – 8.5

His deliveries from set pieces were not up to scratch tonight, but that’s more down to a lack of target. His misplaced pass led to their first but second half he personified the fighting spirit in the team. Didn’t give them a moment’s peace down the left hand side, constantly bombing on and combining with Ox and Minamino.

Morton – 5.5

Should have been sent off for a horrendous tackle on Pereira. Escaped with a yellow and went about his business. Tidy on the ball but once we lost possession, we were open on the transition and as the DM, he takes some of the flak.

Henderson – 5

Full of energy down the right hand side. Charged round the pitch to try and set the tempo for his side. Won the ball back loads. Lacked a bit of quality in the final third and on the ball in general but a welcome return to action.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 10

Cut the deficit first half with a sweet strike into the bottom corner. Had further attempts in the second half but they went just over. Anytime he picked the ball up and run with it, he caused them problems. Run non-stop going both ways. Tucked home his penalty too. The best player for Liverpool tonight. Unreal.

Williams – 6.5

First half it was a bit of a thankless task playing on the right wing. Lost the ball in the middle third and they broke and scored. Moved back into his natural right back role second half and was superb. Bombed on constantly and gave Thomas no rest. Never shy to take on his man and played some Trent-esque diagonals.

Firmino – 9

Pressed like a maniac from beginning to end. Laid on the assist for Ox’s goal and created similar chances for his teammates. Dropped very deep to help out the youngsters. Had a chance or two but wasn’t quick enough with getting the shot away as he got crowded out. Nerveless penalty. Bobby is back!

Minamino – 8

Started well, combined with Tsimikas down the left and sought to cut inside. Saw one curler headed over by a defender. Played the ball through for Jota’s goal. Thought his chance had gone when he miscontrolled Keita’s ball through. Equalised in the 95th minute with an exquisite chest control and a clinical finish into the bottom corner. Put too much power into his penalty and it clipped the crossbar and went over.

Substitutes

Konaté – 7

Brought much needed calm and composure to the backline. Almost broke Albrighton in half with a crunching tackle. He’s fast becoming a very reliable piece in this team. Still only 22, his ceiling is scary.

Milner – 7

Brought know how and experience to the base of midfield. Sat there and cleaned up all that came his way. Was turned inside out by Dewsbury-Hall but Kelleher made the save. His corners were poor but he played a precise long ball to Minamino in the 95th minute to tie the game. Scored the first penalty in the shootout too. Of course he did.

Jota – 9.5

Went close when he headed wide from Tsimikas’ cross. Then he received the ball inside the box and rifled a left footed effort past Schmeichel. Lethal. Redirected Keita’s shot with a brave header that brought out an excellent save from the keeper. His physicality unsettled them. Scored the winning penalty. I didn’t think for a second that he’d miss.

Keita – 9

Came on for the skipper and gave us second wind. Showed lovely feet and an eye for a pass. Was crucial to our constant bombardment of the Leicester box as he brought urgency to the side. Lovely player when in situations like this. Confident penalty to boot.

Beck – 7

The youngster showed no nerves. One lovely Cruyff turn had the Kop purring. Tried his luck from outside the box but saw his shot saved. Was caught on his heels for one Keita pass late on which could have seen him through on goal.

Jurgen Klopp

Picked a weakened side, choosing to hand starts to two teenagers in defence. It backfired as Leicester raced into a 3-1 halftime lead. Made the half time changes to strengthen his side and saw his charges produce another famous Anfield comeback. Semi finals here we come.