Cardiff v Liverpool ratings as Georginio Wijnaldum leads Reds to crucial win

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 21:22 21/04/2019
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  • Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table and ensured that the pressure is back on Manchester City with a convincing 2-0 win over Cardiff City.

    Jurgen Klopp’s men took their time to get into the game, but goals by Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner in the second half saw the Reds take home all three points.

    We take a look at how the players performed in this crucial win.

    LIVERPOOL

    Alisson 8: Couple of brilliant saves from the Brazilian, most notably after Oumar Niasse’s shot following Victor Camarasa’s mishit volley.

    Andrew Robertson 6: Not a wrong foot in defence, but the left-back has had more productive days in attack.

    Virgil van Dijk 8: Yet another solid performance at the back. Locked the metaphorical door and dealt with any danger Cardiff produced.

    Joel Matip 7: Provided able support to Van Dijk in warding off any aerial threat. A solid performance by the third choice centre-back.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold 7: Mendez-Laing had the right-back bite the dust a couple of times but the youngster won the duels that mattered and also provided an assist from a corner.

    Jordan Henderson 7: A couple of misplaced passes should not take away much from a good shift in central midfield. Won a few 50-50s and helped control the midfield.

    Georginio Wijnaldum 9: A goal just tops what was a great performance in midfield by Wijnaldum. Controlled the tempo and helped set off counters.

    Naby Keita 8: Won balls in midfield and played progressive passes, replaced by Fabinho after playing as a work-horse for 70 minutes.

    Mohamed Salah 7: Some dazzling runs from the Egyptian though should have scored in the first half. Won the penalty that produced Liverpool’s insurance goal.

    Roberto Firmino 6: Looked a touch off for huge chunks of the game and missed a very easy chance that a striker of his calibre should put away with closed eyes.

    Sadio Mane 7: Best player in Liverpool’s front-line, like he has been this entire season. Mane’s pace produced some nervy moments for Cardiff, but the Senegalese failed to make any of those count.

    Substitutes

    Fabinho N/A: Came on for Keita and had an injury ruin his evening, left the pitch after four minutes.

    James Milner 8: Replaced Fabinho and smashed home a penalty to give his team some breathing space.

    Joe Gomez N/A: Came on for Alexander-Arnold in the last few minutes of the game.

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