Starting XI
Alisson Becker – 7.0
Was maybe a consideration to come out, but his importance in keeping his team in games is clear. Very little to do, except for the odd pot shot in the opening half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.0
Was surprisingly taken off against Leeds. Was tested by a pacy attack, and was pretty reserved in his attacking play. Was assured defensively with a clear intent to cover his zone. A solid game.
Subbed – 86 mins
Kostas Tsimikas- 7.0
A rotation pick with Robbo rested for the weekend. Started well, and strode forward with intent. Was tenacious and energetic through the second period. A great corner for the opening goal topped off a good night for Kostas.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8.0
Has to play and has to find the form that can galvanise those around him. The early stages showed his great cross field passing prowess, and ability to clear his lines. Seemed eager to tussle with Osimhen, and that fire is what we needed. Rose well for the second goal.
Ibrahima Konate – 9.0
Such a major player to come back in. Looked energetic and keen to battle a world class forward, Osimhen. Strode confidently with the ball, and was ferociously dominant in his defensive play.
Thiago Alcantara – 9.0
Another start, and really looked to get the ball moving with a beautiful array of passes. Had a brilliant effort saved on 30 mins, as Liverpool showed good purpose. Was again keen to set the tempo in the second half, and the team revolves around his passing.
Subbed – 86 mins
Fabinho – 7.0
Had to start with Henderson out, and was positionally sound through the opening stages. Was solid on and off the ball in the second half, and looked strong in his play in the second half.
James Milner – 7.0
Came back into midfield with numbers lacking. Was progressive and eager to work up and down from the outset. Threw in some good challenges in his typical style, and was unfortunate to succumb to injury early in the second half.
Subbed – 48 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
Started on the right, with clear freedom to drift inside. Looked dangerous when drifting out to in, and perhaps looked more settled not pinned to the sideline. Had little to work off as the game ticked by, but was on-hand when it mattered to react for his goal.
Roberto Firmino – 7.0
Into the false 9 once more, when all else fails. Worked up and down and tried to bring balance to the middle areas. Had an audacious flick find Jones on the half hour, and was in and out of the game through the second half, with his work rate being key to adding numbers when needed.
Subbed – 87 mins
Curtis Jones – 7.0
Probably a more fitting and less tactically reliant LW position for Curtis. Had a good chance early on, and nearly scored with a close range effort. Maybe could have done better with a close range header on the half hour, and showed good footwork in the second period to open up chances.
Subbed – 73 mins
Subs;
Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 48)
On early in the second for the injured Milner, he worked hard and tried to offer protection to Trent.
Darwin Nunez – 7.0 (on 73)
Showed good running and rose powerfully for the goal that Mo tapped home. A nice poachers effort.
Stefan Bajcetic – 5.0 (on 87)
Minutes.
Calvin Ramsey – 5.0 (on 87)
Minutes.
Fabio Carvalho – 5.0 (on 87)
Minutes.
The Manager;
Jurgen Klopp – 8.0
Reverted back to the more tactically understood 4-3-3 system. His team started bright, and the team was probably as strong as could be expected, with Darwin rested for Sunday.
The system looked more organised, Jones looked more relaxed, and the team defended well through the first half.
The changes made sense, the system looked more controlled, and having Ibou back seemed to give more power to the Reds defence.
This was a great confidence building result, against perhaps the form team in Europe right now. To see Thiago and Ibou so dominant was a joy for all to witness.
