Player ratings: Milner and Firmino lead Liverpool fightback

Ian Watson

Liverpool: Predicted to beat United in MNF

Roberto Firmino continued his impressive form as his display mirrored Liverpool’s in their 2-1 victory at Swansea.

Swansea

Lukasz Fabianski: Not tested at all during the first half and given little chance with the equaliser. 7

Angel Rangel: Conceded the winning penalty with some clumsy defending after Barrow’s awful attempted clearance. 6

Mike van der Hoorn: Defended stoically but wasted a glorious late chance to earn a point. 6

Mike van der Hoorn Swansea

Jordi Amat: Played Firmino onside for the equaliser when he failed to squeeze out in time with the rest of the back four but otherwise impressive.

Kyle Naughton: Made one great block to deny Firmino and defended well. 7

Leon Britton: Replaced just after the hour after struggling to repeat his first-half industry. 6

Jack Cork: Midfielder was everywhere in the first half as Swansea hounded Liverpool but faded after the break. 6

Gylfi Sigurdsson: His corner set up the Swansea opener and had little opportunity to use his creative influence. 6

Leroy Fer: Tapped in the opener for Swansea and put in a fine defensive shift. 7

Swansea

Wayne Routledge: Contributed to a fine defensive display but wasted one decent opening before being replaced after an hour. 6

Borja Baston: Wasted two glorious headed chances though set up the Swansea goal with a good header across goal. 6

Substitutes: 

Sung-Yong Ki: Replaced Britton but failed to influence the game. 5

Modou Barrow: Lack of composure led to a skied attempted clearance that led to Liverpool earning their penalty. 5

Jay Fulton: Replaced Fer’s industry for the final 18 minutes. 6

 

Firmino Liverpool

Liverpool

Lorus Karius: Little to do and exposed for Swansea’s goal but looked nervous on occasions, especially with crosses.

Nathaniel Clyne: Earned Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award after flying up and down the right. 7

Dejan Lovren: Struggled to get to grips with Baston in the air but improved in the second half. 6

Joel Matip: Not stretched much defensively but looked shaky when he was. 5

James Milner: Led Liverpool’s fightback with a much-improved second-half display, topped off with the wining goal. 8

James Milner: Scored from the spot

Jordan Henderson: Booked during an ineffective first-half display but stepped up after half-time and set up the equaliser. 7

Georginho Wijnaldum: Busy but had little impact from centre-midfield. Subbed with a groin injury mid way through the first-half.

Adam Lallana: Subbed with a groin injury mid way through the first half. 5

Sadio Mane: Liverpool’s biggest threat in the first half but outshone by Firmino after the break. 7

Philippe Coutinho: Struggled to influence the game from wide and had little more success inside. 6

Liverpool Swansea

Roberto Firmino: Grew into the game and inspired the fight back with a superb glanced header to bring Liverpool level. 8

Substitutes: 

Daniel Sturridge: Booked for diving and failed to shine after coming on early for Lallana. 5

Emre Can and Divock Origi: Both came on after Milner’s goal to steady the side. 6