PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 6-0 LEEDS UNITED

Liverpool closed the gap to Man City to three points after thrashing Leeds 6-0 in their outstanding match at Anfield this evening. It was a truly breathtaking performance with the Reds racing into a 3-0 halftime lead. A further 3 goals in the second half completed the rout. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 6

Almost caught out early on by James as he dawdled on the ball. Didn’t have anything to do the first hour as Leeds didn’t manage a single shot. Two pot shots from range late on were routine for Ali. Another clean sheet.

Alexander-Arnold – 7

He wasn’t actually involved in any of the goals. It was a quieter performance this time round as the other world class players in the team took it upon themselves to cut Leeds to shreds. One first time left footed pass over the defence put Salah through for his hat trick but it was cleared off the line. Trent was more of a right winger tonight, that’s how high up the pitch he played.

Matip – 9.5

He finally profited from a dribble upfield! He’s been threatening to do that all season. Leeds’ man marking system means a centre back dribbling upfield isn’t picked up. They failed to pick him up as he sneaked into the box to collect Salah’s pass and clip a nonchalant finish past Meslier. Was fantastic tonight.

Van Dijk – 9.5

He’s a cheat code. If he’s not outpacing Raphinha to a through ball after giving the Brazilian a head start, he’s dribbling upfield himself or sending Raphinha back to Brazil with a dragback. Cruised through the game. Powered a bullet of a header past Meslier to add further gloss to the scoreline.

Robertson – 8.5

Another assist for Robbo with his pinpoint corner delivery putting it on a plate for Van Dijk in injury time. It was a fine performance from the left back, bombing up and down that left wing and wreaking havoc with Diaz ahead of him. His cross after receiving Diaz’s pass led to the first penalty

Fabinho – 7.5

He started slowly as he was caught in possession a few times. Missed an absolute sitter when a loose ball fell to him in the box from a set piece. Grew into it though, especially second half. He mopped up infront of the defence as well as covered for his fullbacks when Leeds countered.

Thiago – 9

It feels like he plays a different sport to others at times. His weight of pass, his balance, his vision etc. He’s just a lovely footballer to watch and this was another game he orchestrated. Was feisty off the ball too, sliding into tackles to win the ball back and set off attacks. Taken off second half so he can rest ahead of the final. Watching Thiago play football is so gratifying.

Jones – 6

Poor first half, constantly got caught in possession or gave it away with a slack pass. Has this obsession to drop a shoulder and turn whenever he receives the ball. Grew into it second half though. Won the ball back loads and put one on a plate for Diaz after a strong run down the right wing. Tried three shots but all were straight at Meslier and lacked power.

Salah – 10

Mo was extraterrestrial tonight. Two perfectly placed penalties and a delightful assist for Matip. His reverse pass to Henderson for Mané’s goal was unreal. He’s such a brilliant footballer, not just a goalscorer but an all round gem. One backheeled pass to Jones was pure filth. Unlucky not to net a hat trick.

Mané – 8

Played upfront again and struggled badly. He wanted too many touches and failed to spot the extra defender closing in almost every single time as he got dispossessed over and over again. He will appreciate Bobby more after tonight. It’s a thankless task at times up top. He dropped deep to get on the ball ala Bobby. Finished off two chances like a true fox in the box. That’s double figures for goals in the Premier League yet again.

Diaz – 9

The team started slowly but not Luis. He was on it from the first minute as he constantly drove at Ayling down the left wing. Showed great feet as he danced past a number of challenges throughout the encounter. His workrate will endure him to the fans as well with his harassing and pressing fitting in well with the team. He was awesome, unlucky not to score, as he blazed a Jones setup over the bar.

Substitutes

Henderson – 7

Settled into the game quickly and sent a cross in from the right wing with almost his first touch. Made a good run in behind and set up Sadio for an easy finish. His sixth assist of the season.

Milner – 7

On to see the game out and he did more than that. Covered well when Leeds broke off a corner. Saw a shot charged down and played a lovely outside of the foot pass to put Origi in behind late on for Mané’s second goal.

Origi – 7

Looked sharp again, with his run in behind seeing him latch onto Milner’s pass. Meslier did well to stop the shot but Mané was on hand to prod home.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer made 5 changes to the side that secured victory over Norwich City on Saturday. Trent, Robbo, Fabinho, Thiago and Jones came into the side with Gomez, Tsimikas, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita dropping out.

It was an incredible display by his team as they tore Leeds apart. Winning 6-0 to move within 3 points of City is some statement of intent. 9 wins in a row now with a chance to win silverware at Wembley next.