Starting XI
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The reds most reliable performer this term. Could do little for the opening goal, with the scorer having a clean shot to take. Was rarely troubled for the remainder of the half. Had even less to do in the second period.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
A more solid fullback could be what was needed in this exact moment. Was defensively dominant from the start, winning his duals and showing his strength time after time. Was then caught for the opening, as the gaps appeared once more. A superb assist for Bobby’s second, as he grew into the second half. Good to see him play well once more in the Champions League.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
Continued to deputise for the injured Robbo. Was a little up and down in the opening gambit, with Rangers keen to target the less defensive minded of the reds fullbacks. A good corner allowed the equaliser to be nodded home. A solid enough game.
Subbed – 67 mins
Virgil Van Dijk – 7.0
Back with Ibou, in perhaps the strongest back two. Tried to dictate the line, but Rangers started with the knowledge they were already all but out, and thus had nothing to lose. Was steady and assured throughout, with just the odd lapse.
Ibrahima Konate – 7.0
Started beautifully aggressively. Was calm on the ball and strong in his aerial duals from the outset. Was caught a little too wide for the goal, but the space was there to be closed off. Was generally untroubled and looked a good bet to start on Sunday. A very very welcome return.
Subbed – 78 mins
Jordan Henderson – 6.0
Starting once more in a double pivot. Was a little ineffective at the start, and was perhaps guilty of ball watching too much. Continued to jog about the pitch to little effect off the ball, but shows some better work in possession. Improved in the second half, as Liverpool started to take control.
Subbed – 67 mins
Fabinho – 7.0
Rightly back in, especially with City on the horizon. Snapped and prowled from the opening bell, but maybe could have closed the space quicker for Rangers opening strike. Was involved for the third goal, and was on his toes to help maintain control through the second half.
Darwin Nunez – 6.0
More games can only aid this gifted young man, especially with City up next. Needed more calming moments at the start, with his willingness sometimes making him over exuberant and ineffective. Continued to snatch at chances with a clear desire to impact. That impact came with his final touch of the game, with a clinical finish to end a great move.
Subbed – 67 mins
Harvey Elliott – 8.0
Back into the starting line up. Starting brightly, with a little more license to roam inside from out. Wanted for the ball when the midfield was more lacking, and proved with his passes. Started showing some lovely touches in the second half, and the little flick onto Gomez (for the second goal) was sublime. Deserved his goal and to start from the left on Sunday.
Fabio Carvalho – 6.0
Recalled to the starting eleven. Started slowly and was outmuscled for the opening goal. A good couple of chances came shortly there after, as he started to get on the ball. Was sporadic with the odd nice touch in the second half. His involvement for Darwin’s goal was key, and he was a player moments if not performance.
Roberto Firmino – 9.0
Starting in behind Darwin, perhaps a look towards the weekend. Was a peripheral figure early on, with the pace of the game seeing moments drift by. That soon ended with a simply near post header following a good corner and some dubious defending. Some good interplay followed, as he tried to link moves together. A great poachers goal for his and Liverpools second goal, and and even better assist for Darwin.
A very good outing for the Brazilian.
SubstitutesÂ
Mohamed Salah – 9.0 (on 67)
A good finish and great movement for his first goal, and great feet for the second, before a sublime third. Should start through the middle on Sunday.
Thiago – 7.0 (on 67)
Came in to add brilliance and control.
Andy Robertson – 6.0 (on 67)
A welcome return before City.
Diogo Jota – 7.0 (on 72)
Looked bright, and will Sunday on the left.
James Milner – 5.0 (on 78)
Allowed Ibou a rest before Sunday.
The Manager
Jurgen Klopp – 7.0
Shuffled the pack, though maintaining the 4-2-3-1. A rest for Thiago & Mo made sense, with others perhaps requiring minutes. With the tenacious game starting end to end, Ibrox erupted to the opening goal.
The reds eventually woke up, and the system started to show its worth. The subs were clearly aimed at getting players prepped for the weekend.
Mohamed Salah coming into the middle should now be his default, as that man needs to be in the mixer for all things.
