Well, that was more like it.
Liverpool have been left frustrated time and time again over the past few weeks, with poor finishing and individual errors costing them dear in both the Premier League and Champions League. However, that wasn’t the case on Tuesday evening as Jurgen Klopp’s side delivered a stomping away performance to record the highest away win in Europe. Putting seven goals past Maribor, The Reds were simply unplayable going forward with the usual suspects of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah causing all kinds of problems with their quick feet.
This was a full-proof performance if you ever saw one, with Loris Karius and the defence untested throughout the match while the midfield trio of James Milner, Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum dominated to deadly effect. Liverpool may have been frustrated by Manchester United at the weekend, but they were back with a bang here.
Here are the player ratings from the match.
Loris Karius – 6
Largely untested throughout the game and was comfortably able to enjoy Liverpool’s attacking genius at the other end. Responded well when he was called into action.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
It was another impressive display in Europe for the young full-back, getting forward well down the right-hand side to add extra width alongside Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho.
There was an element of luck to his goal, but it well-deserved one for a player who looks completely unfazed by whatever situation he’s thrown into.
Dejan Lovren – 6
Very routine night for Lovren at the heart of the defence, with Maribor unable to muster up any promising attack moves throughout the match. He’ll be back in the thick of it on Sunday though.
Joel Matip – 6
The Cameroonian international didn’t have much to deal with, showing his usual composure when on the ball. Another solid display.
Alberto Moreno – 7
The Spaniard’s road to redemption continued with another solid performance for Liverpool, getting forward well and hitting the side-netting with his strike. With no need for defensive action, Moreno was able to overlap Salah at will, giving Maribor another thing to think about as they struggled to keep Liverpool’s attack quiet.
Emre Can – 7
Occupied the deeper midfield role in Henderson’s absence, showing his physicality in the middle of the park to keep Liverpool on the front foot. Wrongfully penalised for outmuscling his opposite numbers, Can excelled for The Reds.
James Milner – 9
A surprise inclusion to the starting lineup, Milner brought a certain grace to the Liverpool midfield on Tuesday evening. Any who doubted him were swiftly made to eat their words after he assisted the second goal for Roberto Firmino.
Chipped in with some brilliant runs from midfield and delivered some quality crosses when pressed into distributing them first-time. A very good display all-round.
Gini Wijnaldum – 7
Kept things ticking over for Liverpool in the middle of the park. Shame we didn’t get to see a rare Wijnaldum away goal, though.
Philippe Coutinho – 9
Ever since Coutinho has come back into the starting eleven for Liverpool, he’s been purring and this was no different as the Brazilian worked his magic alongside Salah and Firmino.
Grabbing the second goal of the match, he continues to show just why Barcelona made so much fuss about him in the summer.
Mohamed Salah – 9
Liverpool’s £34million capture of Salah continues to look one of the bargains of the summer, with the Egyptian recording two goals on the night in a faultless performance for The Reds. His pace and trickery gave Maribor a constant headache at the back, allowing Klopp to give him a well-earned rest in the second-half.
Same again on Sunday, please.
Roberto Firmino – 9
Everyone will have been relieved to see Firmino notch the first goal of the game for The Reds after undergoing a frustrating spell up top in recent weeks. Returned the favour for Mohamed Salah before bagging himself another goal, impressing with his quick thinking and movement.
Subs
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Appeared to be trying too hard to make an impact for the most part, but got his reward with a first goal for Liverpool. Combining well with Daniel Sturridge outside the area, the Englishman showed great composure to steer into the corner.
The goal will do his confidence the world of good, while hopefully helping to silence his many doubters.
Daniel Sturridge – 6
Came on for Firmino midway through the second-half and was instrumental in the 6th goal for Liverpool with a seamless pass through to Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Dominic Solanke – 6
Good to see the youngster get some more minutes under his belt, however brief. Definitely, has a lot to offer this Liverpool side.
