Player ratings: Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool put more pressure on Jose Mourinho, but who were the players to make the difference at Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea

Asmir Begovic - 6

Could do little about any of Liverpool’s goals due to a fantastic Coutinho strike, deflection for the second and Benteke’s cool finish - saved well down low from Moreno late on.

Kurt Zouma - 5

Played right-back but Zouma is far more effective in the middle - was sold a few times by Coutinho and offered very little going forward.

John Terry - 5

Had little trouble in the first-half, Firmino and Lallana played far too deep for him or Cahill to be too concerned. Neither did Liverpool cause him any problems in the air - until Benteke came on and beat him again and again. Was sold by Benteke when he fired in Liverpool’s third.

Gary Cahill - 5

Also very little to do in the first-half but struggled when Benteke came on.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 6

Had a decent battle with Milner in the first-half with neither holding back with their challenges. Clyne caused him problems with the overlap when Oscar was caught ball-watching.

John Obi Mikel - 6

Largely nullified Lallana and Firmino who were switching between themselves in the no.10 role but offered little else.

Willian - 7

Mr. Consistant once again. Tireless and unselfish running off the ball both defensively and going forward - must be the best pure athlete in the league.

Ramires - 6

Scored a fine header after a brilliant run from deep in the first 3 minutes and then shared responsibility with Mikel for looking after Liverpool’s front three who were dropping deep. Was sold a dummy by Coutinho for Liverpool’s equaliser.

Eden Hazard - 5

Did very little to suggest that his form is improving. Mourinho was unhappy with his defensive displays in recent weeks and the Belgian seemed more focused on winning the ball than using his creative talent. Replaced by Kenedy early in the second half.

Oscar - 6

Was Chelsea’s most creative player and nearly caught Mignolet off his line from the half-way line.

Diego Costa - 5

Did very little to concern Sakho or Skrtel. He didn’t even manage to wind anyone up.

Subs:

Kenedy - 6

Had a decent effort saved by Mignolet - looks promising.

Fabregas - 5

No effect on the game whatsoever.

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet - 5

Looked shaky every time a high ball came into the Liverpool box and could have perhaps done better with Ramires’ header. Was nearly caught out by Oscar from distance but recovered to make a fine save.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6

Ran the overlap very well and was defensively solid - Liverpool’s best defender.

Martin Skrtel - 6

The Costa/ Skrtel battle that we all look so forward to didn’t really materialise and as such the Liverpool man had a relatively decent game.

Mamadou Sakho - 6

Great passing range and is quickly developing into the first-choice centre-back at Anfield.

Alberto Moreno - 5

Caught ball watching to allow Ramires to put the hosts in front - oblivious that the Brazilian was even there. Looks defensively weak and offers little but pace going forward as his delivery is frequently poor.

Lucas - 8

Didn’t move the ball quick enough when in possession for Jurgen Klopp - the manager constantly berated him to shift it out wide but, as ever, performed his defensive duties very well. Could have also seen red for what should have been a second yellow card for a trip on Ramires but broke up the play brilliantly in the centre of the park.

James Milner - 5

Didn’t look 100% fit. Looked tense and frustrated out on the right and had a small spat with Klopp in the first-half. Was bought by Rodgers to play central midfield and did well in most games he’s played there this season - so he won’t be happy he’s been asked to play out wide again. Was replaced by Benteke with 30 minutes to go.

Emre Can - 7

The German plays playground football and today was no different. He gets the ball and runs in direct lines with great power - which can be effective but his decision making isn’t always the best. His passing, when he fancied releasing the ball, was pretty accurate and he defended well.

Adam Lallana - 7

Tireless performance from the England man. Some thought he’d be caught out under Klopp’s demand that Liverpool press every ball but that’s exactly what he did and to good effect. Neat passes and, naturally, about 5 or 6 Cruyff turns.

Philippe Coutinho - 7

He spent the first 44 minutes completely off the pace, misplacing pass after pass - then picked up the ball on the edge of the area just before half-time and produced a bit of magic - selling Ramires with a fabulous dummy and curling the ball home with his weaker left foot. Scored the second with a deflected shot. It was unclear exactly where Klopp had asked him to play but once Lallana and Firmino got out of his way in his favoured no.10 role he looked more comfortable - keep him there, Jurgen.

Roberto Firmino - 7

Dropped far too deep to suggest that Klopp was playing him as an out-and-out striker in the first half but he definitely has the physical presence and awareness to cope with Premier League football.

Subs:

Christian Benteke - (replaced Milner) - 7

Caused Cahill and Terry real problems after coming on and turned the latter inside out for his goal that was very well taken.

Jordon Ibe - replaced Firmino - 6

Dejan Lovren - replaced Lallana - N/A