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Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea as defender shines but Mohamed Salah struggles
Ian Doyle's player ratings after Liverpool continued perfect start to the Premier League campaign wi th victory over Chelsea on Sunday
By Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool writer 09:40, 23 SEP 2019
Adrian 7
Safe hands during the first half and stayed big to prevent the clean-through Abraham from scoring. Calming influence late on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Caught out a few times early on grew in confidence after curling in a brilliant opener and had a part to play in the second. Made one great defensive clearance second half. Booked for timewasting.
Joel Matip 9
More than solid up against Abraham, who sought out the Cameroonian. Some interesting sorties out from the back, and after the break continually frustrated Chelsea. Brilliant.
Virgil van Dijk 8
Won almost everything in the air and as unruffled as ever. As Chelsea cranked up the pressure second half, he similarly increased his level.
Andy Robertson 7
Made to work defensively but floated in a brilliant cross for Liverpool's second. A real tussle with Willian, the Scot came out on top just about.
Fabinho 7
Broke up a succession of attacks, positioned himself well and his burst forward sparked the move that led to the opener. However, was slow to close down Kante for Chelsea's first and faded a bit after the break. Booked.
Jordan Henderson 7
Absolutely everywhere first half. Drove forward and always on the offensive, also strong in the tackle. More difficult second half as Chelsea began to press for a leveller.
Gini Wijnaldum 6
Barely in it during the opening quarter but as Liverpool began to gain a foothold, his impact became more clear. Indifferent second half despite some good moments.
Mohamed Salah 6
Looked to mine the channel between Tomori and the left-back, first Emerson and then Alonso. One goalbound shot blocked and always an outlet, but was far too wasteful.
Roberto Firmino 7
Ghosted in unmarked to head home the second. Until then, had been too often on the periphery but at least was a bit more involved second half.
Sadio Mane 6
Despite winning the free-kick for the opener, the first half was a relatively quiet one for the Senegalese and a similar tricky second led to his substitution.
James Milner (for Mane 71) 6
Added a bit of strength to the midfield.
Adam Lallana (for Henderson 84)
Tried to keep the ball.
Joe Gomez (for Salah 90+1)
Helped Liverpool hang on.
© 2019 a Reach plc subsidiary
By Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool writer 09:40, 23 SEP 2019
Adrian 7
Safe hands during the first half and stayed big to prevent the clean-through Abraham from scoring. Calming influence late on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Caught out a few times early on grew in confidence after curling in a brilliant opener and had a part to play in the second. Made one great defensive clearance second half. Booked for timewasting.
Joel Matip 9
More than solid up against Abraham, who sought out the Cameroonian. Some interesting sorties out from the back, and after the break continually frustrated Chelsea. Brilliant.
Virgil van Dijk 8
Won almost everything in the air and as unruffled as ever. As Chelsea cranked up the pressure second half, he similarly increased his level.
Andy Robertson 7
Made to work defensively but floated in a brilliant cross for Liverpool's second. A real tussle with Willian, the Scot came out on top just about.
Fabinho 7
Broke up a succession of attacks, positioned himself well and his burst forward sparked the move that led to the opener. However, was slow to close down Kante for Chelsea's first and faded a bit after the break. Booked.
Jordan Henderson 7
Absolutely everywhere first half. Drove forward and always on the offensive, also strong in the tackle. More difficult second half as Chelsea began to press for a leveller.
Gini Wijnaldum 6
Barely in it during the opening quarter but as Liverpool began to gain a foothold, his impact became more clear. Indifferent second half despite some good moments.
Mohamed Salah 6
Looked to mine the channel between Tomori and the left-back, first Emerson and then Alonso. One goalbound shot blocked and always an outlet, but was far too wasteful.
Roberto Firmino 7
Ghosted in unmarked to head home the second. Until then, had been too often on the periphery but at least was a bit more involved second half.
Sadio Mane 6
Despite winning the free-kick for the opener, the first half was a relatively quiet one for the Senegalese and a similar tricky second led to his substitution.
James Milner (for Mane 71) 6
Added a bit of strength to the midfield.
Adam Lallana (for Henderson 84)
Tried to keep the ball.
Joe Gomez (for Salah 90+1)
Helped Liverpool hang on.
© 2019 a Reach plc subsidiary
