Liverpool
Lois Karius – 6/10
The 23-year old shot-stopper started ahead of Simon Mignolet in goal for the second consecutive league match. His inclination to stay rooted for crosses definitely needs to be worked on, as was evident in the injury-time indecision that could have easily led to Swansea equalising.
After an initial miskick, he played a delightful ball to Clyne showing a glimpse of his ability. He will get better with games under his belt.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10
The 25-year old right-back is one of the most consistent performers in Klopp’s side. He was beaten by Borja for the first goal but did well then on to contain Sigurdsson. In the second-half he was a constant outlet in attack providing brilliant delivery from the right wing and tenacious in defence whenever the Swans countered.
Joel Matip – 7/10
The 6’5” centre-half continues to make a strong case for the bargain signing of the season as he overcame early jitters to put on a composed showing at the back and an important attacker during Liverpool set-pieces.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
The 27-year old centre-half recovered from a viral infection that made him miss the previous league match and looked short on confidence. He was beaten by Borja in the air off a Sigurdsson free-kick and failed to track the run of Cork in the first-half.
He performed slightly better in the second-half and needs to improve with Klavan pushing him for a starting berth.
James Milner – 7.5/10
After a brace and an outstanding performance last week, Milner looked relatively subdued against Routledge before stepping up along with the rest of the team to peg Swansea back.
He showed his ability and pressing to a good measure in the second-half and then scored an ice-cool penalty late into the game to give Liverpool three points.
Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The Liverpool captain in his 200th PL start, turned a slow start into a dominating performance as the game went on. His improvement coincided with that of the team’s and he provided a dink over the Swansea defence for the Liverpool equaliser.
He has taken brilliantly to his new holding role.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5/10
The Dutch midfielder had a difficult first-half as the Swansea midfield dominated the game. He performed better once Liverpool got a stranglehold on the game and made runs from midfield into the box in the second-half. A low-key performance compared to his recent displays.
Adam Lallana – NA
The English international was subbed off with a groin injury in the 20th minute and was replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
The PFA Fans’ Premier League Player of the Month for August and September grew into the game after a slow start, and was a constant threat down the right flank as Naughton struggled to contain him.
He was the only Liverpool player who threatened Swansea throughout the game with his pace, directness and trickery. He showed amazing feet and tenacity to keep running at both ends but was unlucky to register a goal or an assist.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian started once again in the centre-forward role although he was initially shrugged off the ball easily. After the introduction of Sturridge, he was moved to the left wing and troubled Rangel well, and made good runs around the Swans defence. He did well to score the header and then win the penalty for Liverpool’s winner.
His ability to make an impact on off days like these shows how big a player he is for Liverpool.
Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
The little magician continued his fine attacking form after starting slowly. Lallana’s injury meant that Coutinho was shifted to a deeper role and this saw him pull the strings for Liverpool, constantly troubling Swansea with his quality, tracking back for Swansea’s counters and recovering balls off Barrow to prevent Swansea from gaining control.
As Brendan Rodgers once said, Coutinho is the brain of the team.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – 6.5/10
The Liverpool marksman came on for an injured Adam Lallana in the first-half and ran the channels well, creating chances and linking well with his team-mates. He still looks short of his pace and was booked for diving in the first-half.
Emre Can – NA
Can came on late into the game and made a good run into Swans penalty box.
Divock Origi – NA
Origi had little time to make an impact on the game.
