FOOTBALL

Liverpool player ratings in a comfortable 3-1 victory against Cardiff City in FA Cup

Here we have with us the Liverpool player ratings in their FA Cup win over Cardiff City. Liverpool looked very comfortable from the start to the end of the game against Cardiff. The Bluebirds failed to threaten the Reds as much and paid the price for it. Nevertheless, everyone did expect Liverpool to come out with flying colors.

Liverpool’s first goal again came from a splendid Trent Alexander-Arnold cross from a free-kick that found Diogo Jota’s head and ended up in the back of the net. Liverpool doubled their lead in the 68th minute and Cardiff were punished for their misery. Cardiff failed to clear the ball in time and fell prey to Liverpool’s as Diaz won the ball in Cardiff’s box and Jota’s touch set it up for Minamino to finish.

The Reds also found a third goal in the 76th minute with a good volley from Harvey Elliot that came from Roberston’s pinpoint cross. However, Cardiff were able to pull one back as they won the ball in the midfield set directly for an attack. Davies surges his way near the Liverpool to calmly pass the ball to Colwill who finishes well past Kelleher.

Liverpool will now face Norwich in the fifth round of the FA Cup on 3rd March. The Reds will again enter the fixture as favorites to win the game. However, Norwich can learn a few things from Cardiff’s goal and try to hurt Liverpool on the counter. Cardiff scored one goal in just two shots on target while Liverpool had 5.

Liverpool player ratings in FA Cup win over Cardiff City

Caioimhin Kelleher – 6/10

Failed a clearance when he came out and avoided a red card on that occasion. He was also beaten at the near post with a fierce strike from Colwill but overall a positive performance from the keeper.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10

Once again registered an assist on his name with a pinpoint cross to Jota. However, he was not as accurate he is at times.

Ibrahima Konate – 6/10

Mark Harris tried to win a penalty against Konate too easily and also could have been quicker in the incident involving Kelleher.

Virgil van Dijk – 7/10

A good composed and mature performance from the Dutchman. Handled various threats and also distributed the ball well.

Kostas Tsimikas – 7/10

He plays very similar to Robertson at a very young age and might replace him someday. He had a chance to get an assist with his great cross but Jota shot it wide.

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

Did a good job connecting the attack and defense. However, he did not do anything special just kept it simple as he played in a less comfortable role.

Naby Keita – 6/10

Keita handled things in the defense and also played a part in creating a few chances. His short passes created two good chances for Liverpool but shot a few attempts wide.

Curtis Jones – 6/10

He struggled to influence the game unlike usual. However, importantly did not make any mistakes and later made way for the debut of Luis Diaz.

Takumi Minamino – 8/10

He had a good lineup play with Jota to create a chance for Jota. Also scored the second goal and has been very important for Liverpool in the cup tie fixtures.

Diogo Jota – 8/10

Had a good chance to score early on and did everything well except the finish that drew a good save from the keeper. However, he again scored a header from a free-kick taken by Trent.

Roberto Firmino – 7/10

Did a good job in linkup plays and creating chances by dropping in the midfield at times. Showed a few skills to entertain the crowd and still has the pace to compete.

Substitutes

Harvey Elliot – 8/10

A good return to the pitch after injury from Elliot. Provided freshness to the attack and troubled the opposition defense. Got the goal he deserved for his work.

Luis Diaz – 7/10

Did well to pressure the Cardiff defense and take advantage of their lack of concentration which led to the second goal. Good cameo on debut from him.

James Milner – 6/10

His loose pass led to Cardiff City’s attack and scored their goal. However, he mostly replicated Henderson’s performance in the midfield.

Andy Robertson – 7/10

Put in a good cross from the left flank for the third goal and got an assist for it.

Thiago – 6/10

Was not able to influence the game in the later stages.

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