The match has ended in frustration again for Liverpool supporters at 1-1. But a draw on the road in the Champion's League is not the worst thing that can happen. So, who performed and who struggled? We break it down here. All players are rated on a 1-10 scale with 1 being absolute rubbish and 10 being superb. Let's take a look!
Loris Karius: 4 - He wasn't tested often. But the one time Liverpool needed him he failed the squad. It wasn't even a magnificent shot he was asked to save, just a decent free kick from 25 yards out. But Karius was slow to react and allowed the goal. Perhaps it's harsh expecting a clean sheet but when your side dominates and only calls upon you once, you have to step up. Especially if you want to use this as a way to prove to the manager that you should be the #1 as Karius stated was his goal. If anything, he showed Klopp that his keeper rotation may not be the way to go.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6 - The defense did not have to answer many challenges so this can almost be the response for all 4. When called upon he played well. Alexander-Arnold also did well pushing up into the offense and nearly assisted on a goal by Mane except for an offsides call.
Joel Matip: 6 - Not much was asked of him and he was decent. Didn't excel but didn't need to.
Dejan Lovren: 6 - See above. However, this was a good thing to see as Lovren did not reveal any of the shakiness or nerves that often have plagued him this season.
Alberto Moreno: 7 - Like his defensive mates, not much was needed defensively. However, Moreno was the best of the bunch and also was the best at supporting the attack. Made several good challenges and was involved offensively. Solid game.
Emre Can: 4 - Some will say this was harsh, but Emre Can was mostly not seen. What's worse, when he was noticed it was not for a positive but for mistakes. His sloppy play and subsequent turnover is ultimately what led to the Spartak free kick and goal. Klopp eventually subbed him out in favor of Wijnaldum, a move that for Liverpool supporters could not have come soon enough. His up and down play this year has been disheartening. Just when he looks spectacular and you feel he needs to be signed long-term he throws in a performance like this.
Jordan Henderson: 8 - My man of the match. For back-to-back games now Henderson has been magnificent. When he's at his best he controls the midfield and this is exactly what the Captain did in this match. The reason Liverpool were so dominant in large part can be attributed to Henderson's play. When he wasn't breaking up any potential rush from Spartak he was joining the attack and making smart passes. Covered a ton of ground. Excellent.
Philippe Coutinho: 6 - This may be a bit harsh, especially since he was Liverpool's goal scorer but more is expected from the Brazilian. Yes, his goal and combo play with Mane was exceptional, a thing of beauty. But he also committed the foul that resulted in the Spartak goal and conceded another free-kick that could have been trouble. Good game overall but not great.
Sadio Mane: 7 - Mane was a constant threat and joined with Coutinho to provide a brilliant goal for Liverpool. He nearly scored himself when his header found the back of the net but the offsides flag was raised. His pace was a challenge for Spartak all night. It was surprising that Klopp called his number when Sturridge entered the match.
Roberto Firmino: 5 - Not a good game for Firmino. His work-rate is always top notch but as a center forward he is looked upon to score goals. And he had his opportunities but time and time again was not sharp in his final touch. This is two games in a row that Firmino often disappeared, perhaps a rest would do him well?
Mo Salah: 7 - Salah is a joy to watch, but like Liverpool can also be frustrating at times. The number of near goals he had is high, which is a reflection of his skill and pace but also of his inconsistent finishing. Still, his value is unquestioned. Nearly had, perhaps should have had, won a penalty kick for Liverpool and he nearly scored the game winner on a nice header in the closing minutes which was unfortunately too close to the keeper.
Daniel Sturridge: 6 - Sturridge entered as a sub and although he looked rusty he also was in the middle of several chances. One gets the feeling that given more opportunities Sturridge would be the one to turn around the lack of finishing that has plagued the Reds lately. At times looked as though he was trying to do too much on his own.
Gino Wijnaldum: 6 - Really didn't get enough time or see enough action to adequately rate his play. However, he did seem to be an upgrade over the departed Emre Can. Will he leapfrog Can in the starting 11?
Jurgen Klopp: 7 - Some like to bash Klopp when Liverpool have results like this. Some say he has no Plan B and games like this are evident. I think that's hogwash. When your tactics lead to pure domination in every area except goal scoring there is no need for a Plan B. Klopp's system resulted in the creation of chance after chance after chance. That is all a manager can do. The finish, that is on the players. If you want to be critical of Klopp, the goalkeeper rotation would be where to go. Is this rotation the right way to go? Most would say Mignolet would have saved that free kick and if he is the number one he should be in the biggest games. European nights would clearly be the biggest games. Will Klopp tweak this rotation moving forward?