Liverpool player ratings

Given Had one save to make all day - from a tame left footed shot from Gerrard. Sound underneath crosses. Captain for the day in Kolo's absence. 6

Zabaleta After a nervy first ten minutes he had his best game this season: he was flawless. He won every tackle he went in for and was lively going forward too. He makes such intelligent runs it's a shame he doesn't have another yard or so of pace so that he could really threaten. 8

Kompany Back in at centre-back, he had a decent game. Other than losing his boot in the second half it was not particularly eventful, although he could easily have conceded a penalty late on for almost tripping Yossi Benayoun. 6

Lescott Another good performance, Lescott was untroubled with the ball in the air or on the ground. At least as good as Kompany at bringing the ball out from the back. 7

Bridge He was more cautious than he usually is at home, but was comfortable in defence up against the limited Maxi Rodriguez and the sparky Ryan Babel (no, seriously.) 6

de Jong Like his rival Javier Mascherano he relished the physical battle in midfield and did a good job of shackling Steven Gerrard. His awareness and tackling were as good as ever, and his distribution was good too. 8

Barry Another quiet game. He failed to find much space for himself in the midfield, except for when he drifted out to the left in the second half. Could have been sent off for a handball after being booked, or for going down easily. 6

SWP At times he looked to have the beating of Emiliano Insua, but he could never quite get into good enough positions to deliver threatening crosses. Linked well with Zabaleta but might overestimate the Argentine's pace at times. Worked hard defensively. 6

Ireland His lack of form is a worry and a shame. For the second consecutive home game he was in his favoured role but he failed to escape the attentions of Mascherano. The one time he found himself in a good position, on the edge of the box, he spun into a defender rather than into the space. 5

Johnson Patchy but exciting. His running with the ball at defenders is better even than Martin Petrov or Wright-Phillips. His delivery, though, still needs work: his crossing was poor and his free-kicks and corners weren't any better. 7

Adebayor When he puts the effort in he's excellent. Had our only shot on target, and our best opening - running through before being tackled by Martin Škrtel. His support play - coming deep to link play, or drifting wide and running at defenders, was also very good. When he does it for 90 minutes he'll be brilliant. 7

Subs:

Bellamy Ran at Carragher, with some success. Should play at Stoke in mid-week. 6

Ibrahim Looked out of his depth. 5