Liverpool could also be struggling within the Premier League, however they are a very totally different aspect within the Champions League, as they underlined on Wednesday by storming straight into the final 16 of the competitors by hammering Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield. With the Reds’ defensive damage disaster having worsened in Saturday’s surprising defeat at Bournemouth, the very last thing head coach Arne Slot wanted was Jeremie Frimpong hobbling off with what appeared like his third hamstring damage of the season after simply two minutes of play on Merseyside.
However, that was the one damaging on a night stuffed with positives for the under-pressure Dutch coach. Alexis Mac Allister, who has appeared a shadow of his regular self this season, bagged a brace and will have had a hat-trick by the top, Mohamed Salah scored for his membership for the primary time since November 1 with a high quality free-kick, whereas Virgil van Dijk went a way in the direction of making up for his mistake on the Vitality Stadium on the weekend with a hat-trick of assists (even when two of them weren’t actually intentional!).
A smiling Slot was additionally thrilled with the performances of in-form ahead duo Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who each netted in what was a morale-boosting win forward of Saturday’s must-win Premier League assembly with Newcastle.
GOAL charges all the Liverpool gamers on present at Anfield because the Reds claimed third place within the Champions League league part in emphatic style …
Goalkeeper & Defense
Alisson Becker (6/10):
With Liverpool comfy for probably the most half, Alisson was hardly ever referred to as into motion. When he was, he dealt simply with the hazard.
Jeremie Frimpong (N/A):
Forced off lower than 4 minutes into the sport with one more damage. A catastrophe for the Dutchman and his crew.
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
Moved again into the centre of protection with Gomez injured and Konate nonetheless unavailable for private causes and defended properly. Unsurprisingly additionally often introduced the ball out of protection to good impact — though he won’t get away with that towards stronger sides.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
The captain’s early try on objective enabled Mac Allister to open the scoring, whereas Ekitike’s solo strike got here from his punt upfield. However, there was northing fortuitous about his help for Chiesa, with the centre-back getting ahead late on to go away the Italian with a easy end. More importantly, although, Van Dijk was again to his regular dominant and composed self on the again.
Andy Robertson (7/10):
Recalled to the beginning line-up amid rumours that he would possibly be a part of Tottenham earlier than the shut of the winter window and did a high quality job at left-back. Won loads of possession and likewise received ahead every time the chance offered itself. Still loads to supply Liverpool.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):
Broke the impasse with a back-post header and struck once more when the ball broke properly for him within the space. Obviously, the standard of the opposition should be taken under consideration, however it was encouraging to see Mac Allister trying like his outdated dynamic self.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):
Deployed in a deeper midfield function however nonetheless provided loads going ahead – which was hardly stunning given the standard of the opposition – whereas his set-pieces additionally induced issues. Wherever he performs today, he is the beating coronary heart of this crew, along with his relentless working and invaluable capability to regain possession.
Florian Wirtz (7/10):
Took his objective very properly, which solely served to underline simply how a lot confidence he is now enjoying with after a gradual begin to his Liverpool profession. Of course, Slot will most likely be simply as pleased with the German’s work-rate, as Wirtz was continually hassling and harrying Qarabag defenders.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (7/10):
Saw loads of the ball within the first half however nothing he tried actually got here off for him till he discovered the highest nook with a improbable free-kick simply after the break. Salah getting again among the many targets is a big enhance for Slot’s aspect going into the decisive a part of the season.
Hugo Ekitike (8/10):
After whipping one low strike extensive early on, the Frenchman with the quick ft teed up Wirtz to make it 2-0 simply 20 minutes in. He then received the objective his creativity and vitality deserved when he latched onto a clearance from Van Dijk earlier than slipping the ball previous a Qarabag defender after which firing it via the legs of the goalkeeper. It was only a good illustration of what Ekitike is all about.
Cody Gakpo (6/10):
Heavily concerned and linked properly with Robertson at occasions, however he simply couldn’t get on the scoresheet regardless of how laborious he tried.
Subs & Manager
Wataru Endo (7/10):
Came on for the unlucky Frimpong and the Japan midfielder did very properly certainly as a makeshift right-back. Clearly not a correct long-term resolution to Liverpool’s drawback place, however such a helpful participant to have within the squad.
Trey Nyoni (6/10):
Introduced rather than Ekitike halfway via the second half.
Rio Ngumoha (6/10):
Part of a double-substitution with Nyoni and confirmed off his expertise with out managing to ship and finish product.
Federico Chiesa (7/10):
Replaced Gakpo for the ultimate phases and received himself on the scoresheet within the dying seconds by tucking away a cross from Van Dijk.
Amaro Nallo (6/10):
Sent on with quarter-hour to go and managed to make it to the top of the sport with out being despatched off. An enormous enhance for the teenager!
Arne Slot (7/10):
Almost an ideal night for Slot. Picked a really sturdy, attacking crew and so they rewarded him with a powerful win that may quell a number of the hypothesis surrounding his future. However, the lack of Frimpong means he not has a single match senior right-back in his squad!
