Squawka
·14 December 2024
Squawka
·14 December 2024
Diogo Jota emerged from the bench to secure a crucial equaliser for ten-man Liverpool, salvaging a point in a match that seemed lost.
Arne Slot’s men faced a significant challenge, playing over 80% of the game with a player disadvantage after Andrew Robertson received a red card following Andreas Pereira’s opening goal.
Cody Gakpo managed to level proceedings, but substitute Rodrigo Muniz quickly put the visitors back in front. Just as the London side appeared to be on the verge of achieving only their second away victory against the 19-time English champions in Premier League history, Jota made his decisive impact.
This outcome leaves Liverpool five points clear of second-placed Chelsea, who have the opportunity to narrow the gap if they avoid defeat against Brentford at home on Sunday.
Alisson: 52%
Making his first Premier League appearance since matchday seven, Alisson had a challenging performance. He was forced to retrieve the ball from his net twice and managed to make one save. Additionally, he completed only 40% of his long balls, which was detrimental for his team playing with ten men, as this frequently handed possession back to Fulham.
Andy Robertson: 44%
Ultimately, the sending-off played a significant role in Robertson’s final score. Although there were some positive signs prior to the Scottish fullback’s dismissal, the red card proved to be a decisive factor.
Virgil van Dijk: 54%
The typically outstanding Dutch defender performed subpar by his elevated standards. Despite being the only centre-back in today’s 3 p.m. matches to complete more long balls (8) and achieve a superior retention rate (96.25%), he was part of a defence he usually commands effectively, which allowed two goals. Van Dijk neither won nor made any tackles or interceptions during the match.
Joe Gomez: 59%
He transitioned to a left-back position following Robertson’s exit from the match. Despite this, Gomez recorded three interceptions, including one within the penalty area, and completed two tackles. However, he would likely feel disappointed with only a 50% success rate in ground duels.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 51%
Alexander-Arnold maintained his approach even after Liverpool was reduced to ten men. He concluded the 3pm matches as the right-back with the highest number of final third entries (19). However, his score was slightly affected by the absence of any created chances or take-on attempts, and he was dribbled past once.
He would leave the field in the 79th minute for Jota with the returning Portuguese forward putting in an incredible cameo performance.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 62%
After Robertson’s dismissal, Szoboszlai really stepped up for Liverpool. He made four successful passes into the penalty area and recorded an impressive 100% tackle success rate, while also creating one big chance and winning five duels.
Ryan Gravenberch: 64%
His versatility proved invaluable when Liverpool was reduced to 10 men, as Gravenberch frequently transitioned into central defence. He recorded two interceptions, remained unbeaten in dribbles against him, and achieved an impressive forward passing accuracy of 94.12%, with nine passes directed into the final third, positioning him in the 95th percentile among central midfielders in the 3 PM matches today.
Curtis Jones: 55%
He took one shot on goal, but it missed the target. Jones, who has recently gained significant importance, also failed to generate any opportunities for his teammates.
Cody Gakpo: 58%
Levelled the proceedings, and it could have been a more productive outing for the Dutch forward, who had three shots on target. Gakpo also created a scoring opportunity and completed two of his three attempted take-ons.
Luis Díaz: 44%
Once more, he took on the false nine position, but after Robertson’s red card, Diaz moved into a deeper role. Despite this adjustment, he managed two attempts on goal, neither of which were directed at Leno’s net.
Mohamed Salah: 55%
He successfully executed three out of seven take-ons and generated one opportunity that contributed to Liverpool’s first equaliser; however, Salah typically performs at a higher level. His four shots on goal, with none hitting the target, fall short of his renowned standards. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that despite having one less outfield teammate, he managed 13 touches in the opponent’s box, although seven unsuccessful touches offset this.
Bernd Leno: 60%
No goalkeeper in the 3pm Saturday games produced more long balls than Leno, who completed half of his 22 long balls (11). However, he could only make two saves and would be frustrated to concede twice against a side with ten men, even if that opposition are the Premier League leaders.
Antonee Robinson: 70%
Robinson delivered one of his stronger performances this season, contributing two intentional assists, four interceptions that helped retain possession, and seven touches in the opponent’s box.
Jorge Cuenca: 51%
Despite having a man advantage, Fulham was under significant pressure. Cuenca highlighted this, making an impressive 12 clearances. However, he won only 25% of his ground duels and was dribbled past on three occasions.
Issa Diop: 54%
Diop’s inability to win any tackles or make interceptions limited his potential score. Like his central defensive partner, he was required to make eight clearances, but a mere 33.3% success rate hindered his performance in aerial duels.
Kenny Tete: 53%
Following his impressive performance against Arsenal last week, Tete had a quieter game this time, playing just 55 minutes. During his appearance, he effectively blocked a cross but was dribbled past once and managed only two entries into the final third.
Sasa Lukic: 46%
Committing one foul and failing to succeed in both attempted tackles, he, like Berge, was dribbled past twice. With a passing accuracy of only 50%, the combative Lukic’s performance was marked by disappointment, as reflected in his score.
Sander Berge: 51%
His performance included successful tackles on both attempts; however, a 50% success rate in take-ons, a forward passing accuracy under 75%, and being dribbled past twice resulted in a disappointing final rating.
Harry Wilson: 59%
He generated one opportunity for his teammates, though it was not considered a big chance. Wilson recorded four shots on goal, three of which were taken inside the box, but unfortunately, none were on target.
Andreas Pereira: 70%
He started things off with his only shot on target. Pereira also displayed his tenacity by achieving one high turnover (which measures the number of times a team wins possession in open play within forty meters of the opponent’s goal) and making four successful ball recoveries.
Alex Iwobi: 59%
The match concluded with Iwobi attempting two shots, neither on target. The former Arsenal man, though, appeared at ease while advancing against Liverpool, completing two of his take-ons and generating one scoring opportunity.
Raúl Jiménez: 43%
Jiménez did not replicate last weekend’s heroics, failing to register a single shot on goal or create any opportunities. However, it is worth noting that a pass intended for two of his teammates was intercepted leading to a corner.
Squawka’s new player rating system is wholly stats-based. Player scores are based on the numbers they put up across a range of on-ball events, from goals scored to tackles won.
We tailored each score to the players’ respective positions using extensive research and expertise. For example, forwards are rated on metrics like shots on target, touches in the opposition box, and big chances created. Meanwhile, centre-backs are rewarded for winning aerial duels, making blocks, successful long-range passes, etc.
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