Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham: Player Ratings as Gakpo Leads Spurs to Defeat

Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham: Player Ratings as Gakpo Leads Spurs to Defeat Liverpool 3 – 1 Tottenham – EFL Cup Player Ratings The EFL Cup return saw the Reds host Spurs as both sides fight for domestic form and a return to form. The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below. Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8.0 The giant Georgian stopper was superb early on as a smart save kept the scores level After the restart, the Reds’ keeper was able to make an even better save at 2-0 as he saved brilliantly low to his left. Unfortunately, the Spurs’ headed goal was poor from a positional point of view. Made up for the error with an extraordinary one-handed save. Ronald Araújo – 8.0 The Brazil international was physical and well positioned to weather the early pressure, whilst staying composed on the ball later on. When the match resumed, the former La Liga star was very strong in his challenge against a team determined to score. Milos Kerkez – 6.0 The Hungarian international was full of ambitious running as he looked to travel the line endlessly. After the break, the exciting full-back was a little less impactful offensively as he needed to be more aggressive in defence. Joe Gomez – 7.0 The England international was the steady leader at the back and his taking-upfield pass started the move which led to the opening goal. Subbed – 45 mins Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0 The flying full-back in this team was always willing to run and cover, while showing keen determination to join attacks. After the intermission, the former Celtic winger was keen to keep his zone locked down and improve this season’s defensive side. Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0 The Argentina international was superb with his opening goal strike as he arrived before placing the ball into the top corner. After the intermission, the midfield man was able to assist the second goal with a clever pass into Gakpo. Trey Nyoni – 7.0 The England under-18 international was keen to anchor and control possession for his team. When the match resumed, the former academy star was again very impressive as he gave clear control in the deeper role. Subbed – 62 mins James McConnell – 6.0 The versatile midfielder was eager with his running as he looked to break up play as the third midfielder After the restart, the former academy man was again workmanlike and gave good support in both directions. Subbed – 62 mins Lewis Koumas – 7.0 The Wales international was strong with his work rate and keen to move across the line and be the team’s focal point. In the second half, the powerful runner was able to bring a certain physicality. Subbed – 86 mins Rio Ngumoha – 6.0 The English winger was influential in the opening goal as he looked to engage inside from out. After the break, the prodigy was unable to offer too much outside as the Spurs left back contained the gifted winger. Subbed – 72 mins Cody Gakpo – 8.0 The Dutch player was key in the goal, assisting as he proved and carried in field to open the opportunity. After the intermission, the former PSV man was able to double the lead with a superb strike from the angle. Another goal involvement late on with the assist for the Reds’ third. Man of the match Substitutions; Jérémy Jacquet – 8.0 (on 45) Came on to offer smart and quick defensive options. Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0 (on 62) Came on to offer more direct running ahead of the central midfield. Should have scored and then scored a thunderous goal to end the game. Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0 (on 62) Came on to offer freshness in central midfield. Bradley Barcola – 6.0 (on 72) Came on to offer pace and a counterattacking threat. Alexander Isak – 7.0 (on 86) Came on to add a more clinical edge. The Manager; Andoni Iraola – 8.0 The starting lineup was adjusted with key youngsters drafted in for the failing senior players. The second-half substitutes were needed to refresh but saw the middle lose balance. Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction; Liverpool 2 – 1 Tottenham