A first-half strike from Mohamed Salah proved to be the difference as Liverpool edged past Huddersfield Town to register their seventh Premier League victory.
Liverpool ended their four-match winless streak in all competitions, as they defeated David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town 1-0 at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday.
Liverpool needed a victory to keep pace with Premier League table toppers Manchester City, who had thrashed Burnley 5-0 earlier in the day. And star man Mohamed Salah, who hadn’t been in the best of forms of late, opened the scoring for the Reds in the 24th minute, sliding a neat finish past Jonas Lossl in the Terriers’ goal.
Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to build on their first-half lead and Huddersfield turned on the pressure in search of an equaliser. But ultimately, the Merseysiders held on to take home all three points from the John Smith’s Stadium. The victory sees Liverpool move second in the table, level on points with leaders City, but behind on goal difference.
GET IN!! It wasn't pretty but it's all about the three points! ?#HUDLIV https://t.co/PuBThl5zcI
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2018
And here’s how the Reds’ stars fared on the day against the Terriers.
Alisson Becker: 6/10
The Brazilian had a heart-in-mouth moment when one of his attempted clearances was charged down by a Huddersfield player. But apart from that, Alisson cut an authoritative figure at the back. Distribution was on point largely, while he wasn’t called into action a lot by the home team.
Joe Gomez: 7.5/10
Retained at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England international put in another dominant display. Was diligent defensively against Erik Durm, who looked to threaten on occasions, while being incisive going forward. Combined really well with Xherdan Shaqiri leading up to Salah’s goal.
Dejan Lovren: 6/10
The Croatian centre-back didn’t always look at ease and failed to ooze confidence at the back, but made a couple of strong tackles and came out on top in a number of aerial battles. Almost cost his team on one occasion when he failed to connect with his clearance, but Steve Mounie failed to punish Lovren.
Virgil van Dijk: 8/10
A colossal performance from the Netherlands international once again, apart from a missed clearance in the second period. Was imperious in his battle against Laurent Depoitre and carried the ball out from the back with confidence and composure at every given occasion. Stepped up when the Terriers turned the heat on in the second period to protect his team’s clean sheet.
Andrew Robertson: 6.5/10
The Scotsman spent a lot of time in his own half, dealing with the threat posed by a lively Alex Pritchard and did so with great effect. Did not have a great impact going forward on the left side, but did deliver a couple of inviting crosses into the box.
Jordan Henderson: 5.5/10
The Liverpool captain came into Saturday’s game well-rested, having not been involved in England’s UEFA Nations League encounter against Spain, but failed to make much of an impact. While his range of distribution was on display, he wasn’t all that effective in his screening duties and was often stretched by the home team. Subbed at half-time with a hamstring problem.
James Milner: 6/10
Having made a quick comeback from a hamstring injury, the veteran midfielder was thrust into action right away. Looked a bit off pace compared to the standards he has set this season and was lucky not to have given away a penalty for handball in the first-half. Worked hard as always, before getting subbed off in the 77th minute.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7/10
Starting in the midfield, the Switzerland international looked right at home as he drove his team forward regularly from the centre of the park. His passing was sharp and incisive throughout and it was he who set Salah through for the only goal of the game. Worked hard off the ball, especially after the break.
Mohamed Salah: 7/10
Having been subdued in recent games, the Egyptian superstar turned up when it mattered, as he slotted home his 50th goal in English football to clinch the game for Liverpool. Was a lively presence all game long and caused Huddersfield problems, but still some way away from his brilliant best.
Daniel Sturridge: 5/10
Handed a starting berth ahead of Roberto Firmino, the England international started sharply, showing good link-up play with Salah, but struggled to maintain that level. Didn’t always get into the right positions and make the right choices, much to Klopp’s annoyance. Picked up an unnecessary booking.
Adam Lallana: 5.5/10
Having made a full recovery from his injury issues, the England international made only his second appearance of the season and his first Premier League start since January, but failed to make it count. Naturally looked off pace and was caught pondering on the ball too long on multiple occasions. There were a few nice touches here and there, before he asked to be taken off fatigued.
Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7/10
Replaced captain Henderson at the start of the second period. Added more dynamism and steel to the Reds’ midfield after coming on. A strong performance from the Netherlands international.
Fabinho: 6/10
Came on for Lallana in the 69th minute to make his Premier League appearance. Screened his defence solidly as Huddersfield ramped up the pressure and passed well.
Roberto Firmino: 5/10
Thrown on for Milner with less than fifteen minutes left on the clock. Wasteful in possession during his short time on the field.
