STURRIDGE GETS LFC 1st 3 POINTS. Plus we rank all the starters in red.
Danny Sturridge came thru in a big way again. In a wild opening weekend in the EPL, 3 points were hard to come by for everyone, and Anfield was no different.
With Man U losing to Swansea at Old Trafford, Everton getting tagged late by underdog/EPL new comer Leicester City for only a draw at 2-2, and Arsenal barely escaping Crystal Palace, (the 3-0 underdog that didn't have an actual coach)-nothing in today's EPL is a lock.
Except LFC's Danny Sturridge scoring goals when you need them.
While Southampton fought hard and played way over potential on the road, Sturridge came thru moments after LFC subbed in former Southampton striker Rickie Lambert on a corner kick that was headed to the back post by Raheem Sterling, the scorer of the first Reds tally.
Moments later, GK Simon Mingolet's epic stop held the 3 points for LFC on what many UK pundits are calling "one of the best saves in the league in recent memory."
Here are the player ratings for LFC's lineup after EPL Week One.
Simon Mignolet – A couple of smart stops in the first half and, like last season, came to Liverpool’s rescue late on with a fabulous finger-tip stop to thwart Schneiderlin – 8.5
Javier Manquillo – Made a few thumping challenges and showed a willingness to defend. Encouraging Premier League debut from the Spaniard, who will improve with games – 7
Martin Skrtel – Played with experience and composure. Looking to form a solid partnership with Lovren, couldn’t get to Clyne with a last ditch tackle when Southampton equalised – 7
Dejan Lovren – Given an acerbic reception by his old supporters but never paid any attention; a couple of robust challenges and some excellent long passing made this an impressive debut – 8
Glen Johnson – Facing a fight to maintain his position as a regular starter; made one crucial block to deny Ward-Prowse a certain goal but looked uncomfortable on the left flank – 5.5
Steven Gerrard – Steady without being spectacular from the captain, never wasted a pass and had more of an influence when Lucas was replaced by Allen – 7
Lucas Levia – Chosen ahead of Emre Can for his experience but saw his afternoon end prematurely when replaced by Joe Allen after failing to exert a significant influence – 5
Jordan Henderson – Played the pass of the match to set Sterling scampering away for Liverpool’s opening goal; his usual honest, energetic performance – 7
Philippe Coutinho – A Brazilian with a number of gifts but this was an afternoon when he spent too long on the trickery, failing to provide any kind of consistent service for Sturridge, but did penetrate with the ball as needed – 6.5
Raheem Sterling – Took his goal with great style and threatened to give Southampton nightmares with his speed on the counter; came up with the crucial head on to provide the winner for Sturridge, and his speed electrified the Kop. – 8.5
Daniel Sturridge – Got involved early, with a shot that fizzed wide and a shout for a (clear) penalty, but then disappeared from view for long spells, until popping up when it mattered to put home the winner – 7.5
