Preston ended their EFL Cup run against Liverpool with a 0-2 loss. Liverpool continues their journey after winning this Round of 16 tie comfortably. They now head into the quarter-finals and will be looking to win that as well.
Preston v Liverpool: Player Ratings
Goalkeeper and Defense
Neco Williams (RB) – 8/10 (Man of the match)
Neco Williams was so active moving up and down the right flank. He made great runs and also blocked the opposition passionately. Neco Williams also provided a fantastic cross assist that resulted in the opener. He had a shot blocked before Origi netted in the second.
Joel Matip (CB) – 6/10
Joel Matip did not look that convincing as wanted. He lacked pace and his concentration was half. Matip did play well in the first half but found himself in a problem when Preston was pressing. He had a few good passes and an interception to his name.
Joe Gomez (CB) – 5/10
Joe Gomez losing the ball gave Preston a triple chance. He tried taking on his man but was not able to do much. Gomez also failed to react quickly to an onrushing midfield, but he managed to get back. It was a struggle for him.
Kostas Tsimikas (LB) – 6/10
He was not as jubilant as he was at the start of the tie. This is definitely because of lesser game time. Kostas did not do much wrong but was not good either.
Midfield
Tyler Morton (CM) – 7/10
This young lad looked so good on his senior team first appearance. He grew more as time passed by. He made smart passes and defended well. Tyler also made key tackles in the middle for Liverpool and gave very few chances to Preston to dominate the midfield.
Curtis Jones (CDM) – 7/10
Curtis Jones played a major part in this match. He handled the ball well, worked well at the back also. He will surely be considered in the upcoming matches.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM) – 6/10
Alex had some exciting moments as he went close on two occasions. He overplayed in the centre that led to inaccuracy. He lacked rhythm and momentum but made sincere efforts.
Forward
Harvey Blair (RW) – 6/10
His start was a surprise. He was impressive in training and so did deserve a start. Harvey got his pace correct that got him running into good areas, but could not hold onto it.
Divock Origi (CF) – 7/10
He made plenty of good runs offering him many chances. This was not enough as he had a hard time out there because of a lack of quality service. He cannot be fully blamed.
Takumi Minamino (LW) – 6/10
Takumi looked similar to other players. He found few places in cramped up areas which also got him the goal. He made the opposition defenders work to stop him.
Substitutes
Nathaniel Phillips (CB) – 7/10
Nathaniel replaced Matip. He had his first appearance for The Reds this season and played well throughout.
Conor Bradley (RB) – 5/10
Conor was brought in for Blair. He did his part playing on the right.
Elija Dixon-Bonner (CM) – N/A
Elija came on in the end for Curtis Jones.
Owen Beck (LB) – N/A
He came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp would certainly be happy with the result. However, he was not at the end of the first half and certainly expects his team to do better.
