Liverpool

Liverpool player ratings vs Aston Villa: Roberto Firmino's perfect farewell! Departing forward keeps slim Champions League hopes alive

Neil Jones
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Roberto Firmino Liverpool 2022-23
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The Brazilian marked his final home appearance for the Reds with a late equaliser in front of the Kop, on an otherwise frustrating afternoon

Roberto Firmino marked his farewell Anfield appearance for Liverpool with a goal but the Reds' Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. Firmino, who was given an emotional send-off by the home fans, emerged from the bench to secure a point for Jurgen Klopp's side, who had trailed to Jacob Ramsey's first-half strike, with an 89th-minute leveller in front of the Kop.

The result, mathematically at least, keeps Liverpool alive in the race for the top four, but they will need either Manchester United or potentially Newcastle to lose each of their last two matches, as well as winning themselves at Southampton on the final day of the season, if they are to sneak in.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Alisson Becker (7/10):

    Good save from Ramsey at 1-0, and swept up outside his box well. Should have gone up for a late corner, surely.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):

    Overloaded for Ramsey's goal and his passing radar was nowhere near as sharp as it normally is. Looked increasingly frustrated as the game wore on.

    Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

    Caught out badly for the penalty. Did OK generally.

    Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

    Early clash of heads with Watkins didn't prevent him dominating in the air. Unfortunate to be penalised for offside when Gakpo thought he'd equalised.

    Andy Robertson (6/10):

    No impact offensively, did OK defensively.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Jordan Henderson (4/10):

    Not up to scratch with or without the ball. Did well to last as long as he did.

    Fabinho (6/10):

    Strong in the tackle and won lots of headers. One of Liverpool's better performers.

    Curtis Jones (5/10):

    Couldn't have the impact he's had in recent weeks, despite his endeavour.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Mohamed Salah (5/10):

    Not able to get into the game at all. Lacked bite and conviction, but produced a fine assist for the equaliser.

    Luis Diaz (4/10):

    Struggled to impact the game, despite seeing lots of the ball. Decision-making was poor.

    Cody Gakpo (6/10):

    Denied an equaliser by a controversial VAR intervention. Quiet otherwise but showed fight.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Diogo Jota (5/10):

    Declined to shoot with a decent chance from Gakpo's pass.

    Roberto Firmino (8/10):

    On for an emotional farewell, and delivered the perfect finish to make it 1-1. The ovation he got at the end said it all. A legend.

    James Milner (6/10):

    Another goodbye, he came on with Liverpool losing their way in the game and helped force a leveller. Another legend.

    Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):

    Fresh legs and corners.

    Harvey Elliott (N/A):

    Tame effort from 25 yards as Liverpool pushed for a winner.

    Jurgen Klopp (6/10):

    Team were flat and outmanoeuvered by a streetwise Villa side. Subs forced the result.