Premier League Player Ratings: Liverpool v Aston Villa - Part 1
Liverpool welcomed back former manager Gerard Houllier to anfield last night. The Frenchman led his Villa team out against a depleted, yet rejuvenated Liverpool side, who were without three of their most influential players. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
and Jamie Carragher all missed out, while Aston Villa were without star man Ashley Young.
Liverpool ran out comfortable winners as they put three goals past Brad Friedel to secure their second consecutive 3-0 home win.
Bettor.com gives the player ratings from last night’s encounter.
LIVERPOOL
Pepe Reina: 6.5
The Liverpool skipper had an easy night, and would have been freezing in the first half as he hardly had to move. In the second half he positioned himself brilliantly to save from Agbonlahor and was steady throughout to keep his 100th clean
sheet for the Reds. By doing so he became the quickest player to achieve the feat in Liverpool’s history.
Glen Johnson: 7.0
Often criticised for his lack of defensive ability, Johnson proved his critics wrong and kept Villa’s best player Stewart Downing quiet. His forward runs were always threatening, and he nearly scored with one mazy run into the box, before his ferocious strike
was saved well by Friedel.
Martin Skrtel: 7.5
He needed to step up his game in the absence of his usual defensive partner, and he managed brilliantly. His towering header set up the first goal for Ngog, and he hardly gave the Villa attackers any room at all.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos: 7.0
A fine and commanding display by the Greek, and he almost scored with a header which was cleared off the line.
Paul Konchesky: 6.5
A much improved performance by the former Fulham man. He needed to get his confidence back, and he did well to keep tricky winger Marc Albrighton in check for almost the entire game.
Dirk Kuyt: 7.0
Another energetic and purposeful display by the Dutchman, Kuyt was never short of running. He kept things simple, tidy and linked up play brilliantly all over the pitch.
Lucas Leiva: 7.5
He certainly has come of age and has taken over the mantle of the defensive midfield role from Mascherano with great aplomb. Lucas put in another authoritative midfield display, hardly gave the ball away and was highly influential all night.
Raul Meireles: 7.5
Meireles seems to be developing a really good understanding with Lucas, as they both dominated the midfield and ran the show for Liverpool. His passing was crisp yet again, and although he lost the ball on a few occasions, his movement and forward passing
left Villa helpless.
Maxi Rodriguez: 7.5
His runs were a constant threat to Villa, and he scored Liverpool’s third when he finished off superbly at the end of a terrific Liverpool break. This was his third goal in as many games for the Reds.
David Ngog: 8.0
It seemed like Ngog was the senior striker in the absence of Torres, and he certainly thrived on the responsibility given to him. He scored a poachers goal with a diving header, and then set up Maxi with a lovely run and cut back for Liverpool’s third. He
was a constant menace to Villa’s defence and put in a man of the match display.
Ryan Babel: 7.5
A rare start for the former Ajax hitman. Babel got himself into the reckoning after a top display in midweek against Steaua. Torres' absence meant that he had a chance to save his Liverpool career, and he did himself no harm by scoring a well taken volley.
He didn’t overcomplicate things, which has so often been the reason for his downfall. This display is sure to earn him more playing time.
SUBSTITUTES:
Fabio Aurelio: 6.0
Aurelio looked assured on the ball after replacing Maxi Rodriguez in the 76th minute.
Joe Cole: 6.0
He would have liked some more time on the pitch, as ten minutes were not enough for him to showcase his talents.
Martin Kelly: N/A
He was brought on late for the injured Kyrgiakos and had a few neat touches.
Continued in part 2
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