Player ratings: Liverpool’s playmakers steal the show v Everton
Liverpool saw off Merseyside rivals Everton 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, but who stood out and who had a stinker?
LIVERPOOL
SIMON MIGNOLET: Did not command his area at the set-piece that led to Everton’s goal but was otherwise solid. 6
NATHANIEL CLYNE: Another steady performance in defence and attack from the England international. 7
JOEL MATIP: Kept a close eye on dangerman Lukaku throughout the game, hardly allowing the Belgian any joy. 7
DEJAN LOVREN: Some may think he overreacted to an admittedly poor challenge from Barkley but defended with authority. 7
JAMES MILNER: Solid display from the ever-dependable utility man, who may offer little flair at left-back but is rarely caught out of position. 7
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM: Hard-working display from the Dutchman, keeping the Reds moving forward. 7
LUCAS: Played a key role breaking up Everton play on numerous occasions. 6
EMRE CAN: A performance of high energy from the German which saw him make important challenges and have the confidence to get forward. 7
SADIO MANE: Opened the scoring with a superb solo goal and gave Everton constant problems before being forced off injured. 8
ROBERTO FIRMINO: His flicks and quick link-up play with Coutinho did not always come off but Everton struggled to read him. 6
PHILIPPE COUTINHO: Demonstrated his dribbling ability and finishing skill with a brilliant individual goal that capped a fine performance. 8
SUBSTITUTES:
DIVOCK ORIGI (for Mane, 57): Needed little time to get into the game, curling a shot wide and then lashing in a fine shot from distance. 7
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD (for Coutinho, 74): Allowed Coutinho to have a rest and even went close to scoring. 6
RAGNAR KLAVAN (for Firmino, 90): Introduced late on as Liverpool played out time. 5
EVERTON
JOEL ROBLES: Was slow to react and out of position for Liverpool’s first two goals, although he did make saves from Coutinho and Alexander-Arnold. 4
MATTHEW PENNINGTON: Had a dream derby introduction as he pounced for Everton’s goal but otherwise it was a tough introduction to top-flight football for the young defender. 5
MASON HOLGATE: Looked good when getting into forward positions but struggled defensively, notably when Coutinho was running at him. 5
ASHLEY WILLIAMS: A mixed performance from the experienced centre-back, making some timely challenges but also being caught out on occasions. 5
PHIL JAGIELKA: Was overworked having to deal with the likes of Coutinho, Firmino, Mane and Origi. 5
LEIGHTON BAINES: Reliable in his defensive duties but unable to get into the game going forward, except at set-pieces. 6
ROSS BARKLEY: Walked a disciplinary tightrope in the first half and might have had a booking before the yellow-card challenge on Lovren that could have been red. Improved after the break. 5
IDRISSA GUEYE: One of Everton’s more accomplished players when in possession, but Liverpool tried to starve him of that. 6
TOM DAVIES: Failed to halt Mane for the opening goal and was unable to make an impression. 5
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN: Largely ineffectual before being withdrawn. 4
ROMELU LUKAKU: Considering the expectation, the Belgian was a big let-down, hardly making any impact. 4
SUBSTITUTES:
ENNER VALENCIA (for Davies, 66): Tried to give the visitors more impetus but Liverpool retained control. 6
GARETH BARRY (for Pennington, 67): Brought more composure to the Everton midfield for latter stages but could not change course of game. 6
KEVIN MIRALLAS (for Calvert-Lewin, 82): Too late for the Belgian to stage a salvaging act. 5