Liverpool player ratings as three poor and Salah quiet in controversial loss

Liverpool player ratings as three poor and Mohamed Salah quiet in controversial loss

Ian Doyle rates the Liverpool team after the controversial League Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Tottenham Hotspur

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Liverpool were sent tumbling to a controversial defeat in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening. Lucas Bergvall scored the only goal with four minutes of the regulation 90 remaining having moment earlier been hugely fortunate to escape a second yellow card and subsequent red when clearing out Kostas Tsimikas.

It means the Reds slipped to only their second defeat under Arne Slot and now have to overturn a one-goal deficit when the teams meet again at Anfield in a month for the second leg.

Here the ECHO runs the rule over the Liverpool players after a difficult evening in North London.

Alisson Becker 6

Smart stop from Dragusin early on but far too risky with distribution at times, although not helped by some passes he received. Got away with mistake when under pressure from Bergvall second half.

Conor Bradley 6

Appeared nervy on first start in six weeks and lost a few balls early on before warming to his task up against Son and Spence. Understandably tired a bit second half. Subbed.

Jarell Quansah 5

Gave ball away dangerously on a few occasions – although usually atoning for his original error – before being forced off on half-hour through illness. Subbed.

Virgil van Dijk 8

Partnered first by Quansah, then Endo and later Konate, the skipper had to be alert to keep together a makeshift backline. Further stepped up second half as Tottenham started causing issues. Impressive.

Kostas Tsimikas 6

One iffy pass caused consternation in early stages but settled and set-piece delivery created chance for Mac Allister while crossing was always a threat. Off pitch having had treatment for Bergvall foul when Tottenham player scored winner.

Ryan Gravenberch 6

A couple of neat passes and interceptions but occasionally missing in the defensive midfield position first half before a more steady showing after break.

Alexis Mac Allister 7

Sent header too close to Kinsky first half but otherwise once again Liverpool’s liveliest player, finding gaps in midfield with passing and movement. Subbed.

Curtis Jones 5

Made two strong challenges in opening exchanges but then almost completely disappeared from view. Popped up in various positions after break but influence negligible until possible penalty claim deep in injury time.

Mohamed Salah 6

Shot wide from edge of area but spent too much of first half running after overhit passes. Mild improvement after interval but not his best game.

Diogo Jota 5

One good run when dropping deep to find possession but had little decent service before break and barely involved after that. Subbed.

Cody Gakpo 7

Laid on Salah chance and constant endeavour down left flank started to pay off with some openings of his own. Subbed.

Wataru Endo (for Quansah 30) 7

Unexpected early introduction at centre-back but slotted in confidently. Good positioning. Finished the game in central midfield.

Darwin Nunez (for Jota 60) 7

Drew three saves from Kinsky and added much-needed presence to Liverpool attack.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Bradley 60) 6

Had one shot cleared off the line and given warm welcome by away end.

Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 60) 6

Some good moments on left touchline but could have shot more.

Ibrahima Konate (for Mac Allister 80)

More minutes in the tank for the centre-back.

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