Adrian 3
Terrible mistake for the opener, although backpass to him wasn’t the best. No chance with any of the others but his general play wasn’t exactly convincing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 4
Below par with some poor defensive choices and wasteful deliveries when in possession. Unfortunate that fifth went in off him.
Joe Gomez 3
Got away with an early misjudgement that led to a Barkley miss, and was at fault for the second. Nightmare time up against the lively Watkins and gave away ball for the fifth. Subbed as an act of mercy shortly afterwards.
Virgil van Dijk 5
Unlucky to deflect in McGinn’s shot for the third. Had to make a slide tackle first half, underlining the pressure Liverpool were under. Booked.
Andy Robertson 6
Continually posed a threat down the left going forward and his crosses deserved better. One shot saved by Martinez. Kept going second half.
Fabinho 4
Struggled to keep up with matters in midfield and was too often harried out of possession. Lack of pace alarming at times. Not much better when switched to centre-back for final half-hour.
Gini Wijnaldum 4
Persistence helped set up Liverpool’s first-half response but rarely involved otherwise. Game continued around him in the second half.
Naby Keita 5
Shot blocked early on and part in Salah’s goal but too often bounced off the ball. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 7
Found space although he wasn’t always found, and on hand to score before the break. Another good finish for the second. Always a threat.
Roberto Firmino 4
Effort smothered by Martinez and forced decent save from keeper but disappeared for large parts. Assist for Salah’s second but not much else second half. Subbed.
Diogo Jota 5
Liverpool’s best attacker first half, and close with one chip. Was dragged down by the general malaise the longer the game progressed.
Takumi Minamino (for Keita 46) 6
Slotted into midfield and at least provided some energy.
Curtis Jones (for Gomez 61) 6
Not the ideal game in which to enter but showed some spark.
James Milner (for Firmino 68) 5
Couldn’t make much difference.
*What did you think of the shocking defeat to Villa? Have your say in the comments section.
