Liverpool ratings v Spartak: Coutinho, Mane shine; struggle for Can

Rob McCarthy

We rate the Liverpool players after Jurgen Klopp’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Philippe Coutinho netted a fine equaliser for the Reds after they had fallen behind against the run of play to Fernando’s curling free-kick after Emre Can gave away possession cheaply.

The visitors completely dominated the second period but squandered countless chances and will view it as two points dropped in Group E, with Sevilla sitting pretty at the top after they saw off Maribor 3-0.

Liverpool ratings:

Loris Karius: Pulled off a couple of half-decent stops but didn’t always look like he was in command. 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Got forward brilliantly down the right but his end product still needs plenty of work. 7

Joel Matip: Had a steady night and was not really troubled as Liverpool dominated. 7

Dejan Lovren: One of his better performances this season but did not have an awful lot to contend with. 7

Alberto Moreno: Always available down the left but should have done better with his delivery on a couple of occasions. 6

Jordan Henderson: Anchored the midfield well and put in one outstanding cross that should have been turned in. 7

Emre Can: Has been been impressive this season but this was not his night. Booked early on and gave away possession for the free-kick that led to Spartak’s goal. 5

Philippe Coutinho: Showed his quality throughout and scored a brilliantly worked equaliser. Getting back to his best. 8

Mohamed Salah: Always dangerous but missed a couple of great chances. 7

Roberto Firmino: Missed at least two terrific opportunities when he really should have scored. 6

Sadio Mane: His pace and power often terrorized Spartak’s defence and was a constant threat. 8

Substitutes:

Georginio Wijnaldum (on for Can, 73): Was far more effective than the disappointing Can. 7

Daniel Sturridge (on for Mane, 70): Missed a great chance late on and was often too selfish in possession. 5