**Liverpool were fortunate to salvage a draw at Anfield after conceding first for the umpteenth time this season.**
Thanks to Florian Wirtz, who found the back of the net via a huge deflection, the Reds were able to avoid another defeat as the search for back-to-back Premier League wins continues.
It was a much-improved Liverpool that took the field but they still lack the attacking impetus that saw them win the Premier League in such convincing fashion last season.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the ratings!
Alisson Becker – 7/10
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In his first game back after a lengthy injury absence, the Brazilian goalkeeper looked rusty in the opening exchanges of the game.
However, as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he didn’t take much time to get back up to speed. He made a couple important saves but needed a Federico Chiesa to make a vital save on the goalline to avoid seeing Liverpool lose late on.
Andy Robertson – 6/10
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The Scotsman has been on a steady decline for the last two years but he is still a reliable figure for Liverpool.
In the first half, Robertson suffered the same fate that Milos Kerkez has when partnered on the left flank with Cody Gakpo. Had the Dutchman utilised Robbo’s overlapping runs more, he might have enjoyed more luck.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
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Imperious as ever, the skipper had a good game. Van Dijk does seem to be struggling for the form that made him the best centre-back in the league last season but his consistent presence at the back is perhaps one of the few consistencies for the Reds this season.
Ibrahima Konate – 5/10
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It was another frustrating viewing for Liverpool fans as Konate once again had a careless game in possession and mistimed several challenges.
The Frenchman is very lucky that Liverpool have struggled for depth at right-back in light of injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. If it weren’t the case, it’s likely that he would be displaced from the starting XI for the now-fit Joe Gomez.
Joe Gomez – 7/10
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Gomez is slowly returning to full fitness and is a reliable figure as ever. Considering he is not a natural fullback, his performance was all the more impressive.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10
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All three of Liverpool’s midfielders were impressive but it’s good to see Gravenberch returning to the form that saw him dominate the engine room last season. While he is no longer allowed by the opposition to glide through the centre of the park, his game is evolving as he now plays the ball a lot quicker than last term.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
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There’s not much room to criticise the Hungarian these days and on another day, he would have scored one of his several strikes from distance. Liverpool would be even worse off were it not for his exemplary performances this season.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7/10
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Mac Allister had one of his better games this season. After he started the campaign with a niggling injury carried over from last season, the Argentine looks ever more like the midfielder of last term. If he can continue his recent form, the Reds may well rediscover their best form.
Florian Wirtz – 8/10
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After his man of the match showing against West Ham, Wirtz was once again Liverpool’s best player. His goal was ultimately an own goal but the composure and deft close control that bought him space to shoot are exactly why Liverpool paid £100m to sign him in the summer. Long may it continue.
Cody Gakpo – 5/10
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The Dutchman was sensational last season, but Premier League defenders have figured him out. Cut in, shoot or pass. Rinse, repeat. Gakpo needs to add more variety to his game otherwise, he risks losing his place in the team.
Alexander Isak – 5/10
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Unlike Gakpo, Isak isn’t really at fault for such a low score. He simply didn’t receive the ball enough to judge him. Liverpool, or Arne Slot, _need_ to find a way to get the Swede the ball more.