The ESPN FC crew discuss the epic penalty shootout between Liverpool and Middlesbrough at Anfield, as the Reds booked their place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.
On a soggy night at Anfield, Liverpool maintained their unwanted reputation for circus football by eventually overcoming a valiant Middlesbrough squad 14-13 on penalties after regulation plus extra time ended in a 2-2 draw. Purists’ toes will have curled at the sight of the Reds once again doing their level best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but eventually it was one too many spot kicks for the visitors. Presumably it was already way past youngster Kenneth Omeruo’s bedtime when he missed the final penalty to give LFC the win.
The home team’s better performers ironically almost caused Liverpool’s downfall, especially Raheem Sterling with possibly the worst pass of his career so far. The unusually dependable — until then — Kolo Toure then compounded his young teammate’s error with a stupid lunge in the area that kept the game going well past what should have been its finishing time.
Suso’s goal in extra time should have been the game winner. But Middlesbrough leveled late and the game went to a marathon penalty shootout.
Liverpool live to fight another day in the Capital One Cup, but with tired limbs needing extra-special care for what might be a season-shaping clash with Everton on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers might not be so grateful.
Player ratings (0-10):
(GK) Simon Mignolet, 7 — Pulled off several fine saves in the first half. Could not really be blamed for either goal, though positioning at set pieces remains a concern. Like his Middlesbrough counterpart was merely a spectator throughout some exemplary penalty taking. Took a good one himself, though.
(DF) Javier Manquillo, 6 — Steadiness is now his specialty, without ever hitting any real heights. Does not really contribute much going forward, which is so important for such an attacking side, so he may eventually lose his place to the more adventurous and skillful Glen Johnson despite the latter’s inconsistencies.
(DF) Jose Enrique, 7 — Nice to see him back and fit. His chances will be few and far between but his strength on the ball came in useful during intense opposition pressing. He linked well with Adam Lallana on more than one occasion. A tendency to become complacent after a while re-emerged once again, but overall solid and dependable. A decent alternative to Alberto Moreno.
(DF) Kolo Toure, 6 — A typical Toure performance, enthusiastic and showing his experience when others began to lose their heads, particularly his central defensive partner. One or two wild moments in the first half but overall he was pretty solid. Loses a mark for a careless late lunge that unnecessarily prolonged the game.
Jordan Rossiter got the scoring started for Liverpool in the 10th minute, but there was still plenty of football to play after the early goal.
(DF) Mamadou Sakho, 5 — Rarely a game passes by now without him looking like an accident about to happen. Shocking pass that led to his handball on the edge of the area and Middlesbrough’s first equaliser. With Martin Skrtel ready to return he could lose his place unless Dejan Lovren continues to flounder. It would hardly be a vote of confidence if he remained in the side.
(MF) Lucas Leiva, 7 — Perhaps finding his level if you wish to be cruel about it, but was solid and used the ball well. Picked the ball off the opposition on numerous occasions and played through the pain to take two well-struck penalties when the pressure was on.
(MF) Lazar Markovic, 4 — Even at this early stage he’s beginning to make fans wonder what the fuss and the fee were all about. Not much sign of the pace that thrilled fans briefly during the U.S. tour. Replaced early on in extra time but was frankly lucky to survive that long. Needs a big performance soon but Rodgers may already be wondering if he has it in him.
(MF) Adam Lallana, 6 — Played the full two hours. Lots of trickery but at one stage seemed more likely to dazzle himself than his opponent. Some good turns and the occasional link-up with Enrique, with a neat flick in the build-up to the second goal. Perhaps more to come when he finds his feet and his real position, as he seems uncomfortable on the left.
– ESPN FC TV: Reds win a marathon penalty shootout
– Rodgers praises Liverpool composure
– Read: Should Liverpool be resting players more
(MF) Raheem Sterling, 7 — Easily the best player on the pitch, which makes the shocking pass toward his own area and straight to an opponent’s feet — the one that resulted in it becoming 2-2 — all the more baffling. The TV barons will thank him since it resulted in an extraordinary end to the game, but nobody in red will. Could be down to inexperience, but more likely to be reluctance on his manager’s part to teach his players some old-fashioned common sense. Lucky not to have to take a second penalty.
(MF) Jordan Rossiter, 6 — Neat and tidy, quick to close down opponents. A nice enough debut with a goal to mark the occasion. Easy comparison with Jay Spearing and may not become the final product with Liverpool, but will remember this night for a long time. Did not let anyone down.
(FW) Rickie Lambert, 4 — Poor and ponderous. The sort of performance that kinder souls might call “honest” but which became more painful the longer he stayed on the pitch. It clearly hurts him, but that’s not much use to Rodgers right now as a lot of play slowed down or broke down altogether when it reached him. A night to forget.
SUBSTITUTES:
(FW) Mario Balotelli, 6 — Replaced Lambert on 73 minutes and created the occasional problem without ever really scaring the Middlesbrough defence. Lost the ball too often. Took responsibility for opening the penalty shootout in the absence of Steven Gerrard and never looked like missing on either occasion.
(MF) Jordan Williams, 6 — Replaced Rossiter on 78 minutes, like for like and steady enough. Would have been forgiven for faltering on a pressure penalty but held his nerve well.
(MF) Suso, 6 — Replaced Markovic and did more in 20 minutes than the Serbian managed in 90, including scoring what should have been the winner. Showed some tricks and brought a good save with another rasping shot.