Suarez & Henderson outstanding – Liverpool player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table, albeit temporarily, after beating newly promoted side Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield.

Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard all scored in the first half as the Reds took a healthy 3-0 lead at half time. The visitors pulled one back in the 76^th minute through Dwight Gayle, but in the end, the Reds comfortably managed to hold on to the lead.

Rodgers made one change in the starting line-up to the team that defeated Sunderland last weekend away at the Stadium of Light. Lucas Leiva was suspended for this game after picking up five yellow cards and Raheem Sterling came in his place. Jordan Henderson partnered Steven Gerrard in the centre while Sterling started on the right wing.

Here are the Liverpool player ratings from the match:

Simon Mignolet – 7/10

Another top performance from the Belgian. Though he didn’t have to make too many saves in the match but whenever there was an opening of danger, he ensured safety with great adroitness. In the first half, he produced a stunning instinct save that came off a deflection from a Palace midfielder.

Martin Skrtel – 7/10

Ever since, he made the come-back against Manchester United, he has been the rock of Gibraltar for the Reds. With 8 out of 8 successful clearances, he left a commanding presence at the back.

Kolo Toure – 7/10

Toure is one of the best performers of the Reds this season and stats will speak for him for this match as well – 6 successful clearances, 4 aerial duels won, 2 successful tackles and 1 interception. Brilliant.

Mamadou Sakho – 7/10

Don’t get confused by his substitution in the 67^th minute. It was needed for a tactical reason. The Reds needed to control the game from the back as passing was not up to mark in the second half, therefore Agger, who is an excellent passer of the ball was brought in. But, Sakho was simply brilliant at the back alongside Skrtel.

Jose Enrique – 5/10

Impressive in the first half. Equally poor in the second. Out of 8 crosses attempted, only 1 was successful and gave away the possession cheaply in the second half. However, he bagged an assist though.

Steven Gerrard – 7/10

It was a typical Steven Gerrard performance. He was omnipresent in the field and grabbed a fine goal through penalty. He has now scored in a record 15 consecutive league seasons for Liverpool.

Jordan Henderson – 8/10

He was the boss really. Playing in the defensive midfield role, he was the best player of the match along with Luis Suarez for me. Take a look at these stats – completed 92% of his passes (69/75), made 7 tackles, won 100% of his headers, 4 successful clearances & made 2 interceptions.

Raheem Sterling – 6/10

He looked really flat to me apart from earning that penalty. However there was no shortage of effort from his side (contribution to the defence) and that’s all a manager can ask for from his player.

Victor Moses – 6/10

Moses should have scored at least couple of goals today, however he ended with none. In the first half he looked lively but bit off-coloured in the second half. He was subbed in the 66^th minute for tactical reasons, as Rodgers introduced Luis Alberto to have more control in the midfield zone.

Daniel Sturridge – 7/10

He has to score. He is making it a habit. Tremendous telepathic understanding with Suarez and England manager Roy Hodgson, who was sitting on the stands, must be pleased with the striker’s performance today.

Luis Suarez – 9/10

Suarez was by far the best player on the pitch by a country mile. Palace defenders had a tough time understanding his movements and dummies and he capped a wonderful day with yet another goal to his name – 3 league goals in 2 games now for the Uruguayan.