Another weekend where the relegation-threatened teams around us picked up points meant pressure was on again for our visit to Anfield. We also have a truly woeful record on this ground. The performance defied this, however, as we played well from the first minute, grabbed a deserved point at the end, and could have won the game.
GK Guglielmo Vicario
Mixed day for Vicario. Again, looked shaky with the ball at his feet and should have done better with the goal. Szoboszlai is an expert at free kicks, but this was not one of his best. It was close to Vicario, and he got a full hand on it, but it weakly went past him. Did, however, later make an excellent save to tip the ball onto the post, and another save from Salah to keep the score at 1-0. Rating: 5
RB Pedro Porro
Did well to provide an option in attack, getting open, and did not lack any effort. Got forward well enough without being able to produce much of an end product. Struggled at times defensively, though, particularly against Rio Ngumoha. Rating: 5
CB Kevin Danso
There have been many concerns of lack of commitment from the players in recent months. That’s not something that can be put on Danso. Along with his usual effort, Danso put in an excellent performance at the back. Strong challenges and clearing danger consistently, we will need more of these types of defensive showings in the coming weeks. Rating: 8
CB Radu Drăgușin
Lost the ball on multiple occasions when dribbling out and did not look comfortable either in possession or defending. Still presents the opposition with too many chances following headers. Did make an important clearance at the end of the game with the score at 1-1 but it was generally a difficult game for Drăgușin Rating: 3
LB Djed Spence
Showed some indecision in the opening few minutes, particularly with one cross which was barely controlled, bounced off his arm and could have led to a Liverpool goal. Settled after that and played well enough. Defended well and provided support going forward. Rating: 6
RW Souza
Rarely got the ball while he was on, Souza still got involved in some meaningful moments. Was close to getting on the end of a cross in the first half and had a good effort from distance saved by Alisson. Did struggle at times defensively but there is promise of what is to come from Souza who started in an unfamiliar position. Rating: 5
CM Pape Matar Sarr
Improved as the game went on after a very poor first half where he was continually turned too easily. Showed some good composure in the second half when dribbling out of his own area and keeping possession but Sarr can play much better than this. Rating: 4
CM Archie Gray
Played much of the game in central midfield where he found things heavy going in the first half. Got more involved in the second half defensively. Ended the game at left back where he improved and got forward well. Still difficult to tell his best position, but Gray rarely lets the side down and plays wherever needed. Rating: 6
LW Mathys Tel
Tel was lively throughout, making some good positive runs and showing some trickery in one-on-one situations. Quick feet enabled him to create some opportunities, and he showed excellent effort and determination throughout. Must start vs Forest. Rating: 7
CF Richarlison
A deserved equalizer from Richarlison who was a threat all game with plenty of chances before the goal, too. It seemed to be a day where it just would not fall for him but was finally able to make a chance count to rescue a point. Richarlison also linked attacks well for much of the game, holding the ball up, and bringing others into play when we broke. Rating: 8
CF Dominic Solanke
Less effective than Richarlison but still provided an outlet up front and kept pressure on Liverpool’s defenders. Playing Solanke forward with Richarlison worked well and enabled the ball to stick up front more than we have seen in most games this season. A lot of unselfish work from Solanke in this game. Rating: 5
Substitutes: Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, Callum Olusesi, James Rowswell
Muani and Simons were both busy and both got involved in our attacks. Simons was inconsistent, at times carrying the ball well and at others looking slow in possession. Muani played an important part in the goal with good control and composure. Debuts for Olusesi and Rowsell were great to see with Roswell on very late and Olusesi showing some good energy and touches in a tactical switch. Ratings: Muani (5), Simons (4), Olusesi (5), Rowswell (N/A)