Swansea 0 Liverpool 1 - Player Ratings

Player Ratings by Joel Tracy

The Reds travelled to the Liberty Stadium seeking maximum points against a well-coached Swansea side that has proven capable of troubling top teams on their home pitch. After a sloppy and disjointed first half, Liverpool appeared set to become Swansea's next victim, before increasing both their intensity and their sharpness after the break.

The Reds created few clear scoring opportunities, but clever, direct approach play from Martin Skrtel and Daniel Sturridge, a gut-bursting run from Jordan Henderson and a significant dose of good fortune helped provided the away side with a crucial go ahead goal. That proved to be all they needed to secure maximum points, thanks in large part to Simon Mignolet and Martin Skrtel, who led their defence to a sixth consecutive away clean sheet in the league.

Liverpool can count themselves lucky to have secured the victory, which sets up a massive Sunday clash with Manchester United with the potential to crack the Top Four for the first time this campaign.

Simon Mignolet: 8.5

Began the match with a pair of assertive punches, and added two fine saves to deny Gomis and Sigurdsson, respectively, along with a decisive rush out to deny Sigurdsson inside the box. Still panic-inducing at times in possession.

Emre Can: 5.5

The makeshift defender enjoyed a fine run of form after being deployed in this new role, but the young German seems to be suffering the ill effects of an unyielding workload over the past few months. Can struggled physically against the threat of Gomis, while his lack of positional sense was evident in failing to cope with the Swansea counterattack.

Martin Skrtel: 8

Often Johnny-on-the-spot for Liverpool, snuffing out danger from his position at the centre of defence and advancing into midfield on occasion to win the ball back for his side. Along with his defensive partners, can claim to quite a share of the side's impressive six straight away clean sheets.

Mamadou Sakho: 7

While he appeared a bit off the stellar form he'd shown prior to his recent injury, the Frenchman held up reasonably well against Swansea's counter attacking threat with a few important challenges.

Adam Lallana: 5.5

A few moments of danger and solid work rate, whether deployed as an inside forward or as a wingback on either side. The final ball continued to elude the Englishman, as it did many of his teammates. A brave block on Gomis before Mignolet's fantastic save on Siggurdson may well have been crucial.

Joe Allen: 8

The Welshman has made the most of a recent run in the side, his efficacy underscored by his absence against Blackburn last weekend. He did nothing to dent that reputation against Swansea, combining some crucial defensive interventions with his usual tidiness, adding some calm and composure in the final third to boot.

Jordan Henderson: 6.5

A hefty dose of fortune shortly after relinquishing the armband helped net the vice captain his third goal in three Premier League matches. Henderson's industry was present as ever, but some sloppiness in possession nearly cost his side in the first half.

Alberto Moreno: 4

Struggled in and out of possession, as a string of clumsy fouls either side of halftime earned him a booking, while some sloppy buildup play earned him a deserved withdrawal shortly after the hour.

Philippe Coutinho: 5.5

Narrowly missed the top corner from his customary spot outside the box, and found Sturridge with a fine through ball that could have put away the game late on. The majority of his play, however, was well off the lofty standards he's set of late, both in terms of work rate and execution.

Raheem Sterling: 7

Made some dangerous runs down the right after a fairly anonymous first half. Could stand to improve his delivery after getting himself into those positions. Struggled to deal with the threat of Routledge on Swansea's left, and a cynical challenge in the first half cost him a booking. Could have capitalised on a presentable chance late on but rushed his shot, which sailed over the bar.

Daniel Sturridge: 6.5

The striker's free-scoring form from last season continues to elude him, although he made a significant creative contribution. A pair of fine throughballs went unfinished, while it was his neat flick that - with the help of a fortunate deflection - nearly put Henderson through, leading to the winning goal.

Steven Gerrard (sub 64"): 8

After a long injury layoff that saw Henderson and Allen enhance their respective reputations in his absence, the captain was introduced as his side were beginning to wrestle control of the match from Swansea, and his work in a return to a deep-lying role helped Liverpool continue that trend. Defensive positioning and tackling were sound, while the club legend brought much needed calm in possession.

Glen Johnson (sub 88") NR

Came on late in the match to shore up the defence and did well enough in limited action.

Joel Tracy

@RambleOnReds