Liverpool may be facing challenges in the Premier League, but their performance in the Champions League tells a different story. On Wednesday, they showcased their strength with a 6-0 victory over Qarabag at Anfield, securing their spot in the last 16. Following a surprising loss to Bournemouth, coach Arn Slott faced rising injuries within the squad, and his worries escalated when Jeremy Frimpong suffered his third hamstring injury of the season just two minutes into the game.
Despite this setback, the night was primarily filled with positives for the pressured Dutch manager. Alexis Mac Allister, who has underperformed this season, found his stride with two goals, almost completing a hat-trick, while Mohamed Salah scored a remarkable free-kick, marking the club’s first goal since November 1st. Virgil van Dijk contributed with three assists, albeit with some luck involved, while his commanding presence returned. Slott was particularly pleased with the in-form combination of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, both of whom scored, boosting team morale with a crucial Premier League match against Newcastle looming ahead.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Alisson Becker (6/10): Rarely tested during the match, he remained composed when called upon.
Jeremy Frimpong (N/A): Injured within four minutes, marking a disappointing outing for him and the team.
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): Stepped up in defense with Gomez out and performed well, though may need adjustments against stronger opponents.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10): Provided an early assist and was pivotal at the back, returning to form as a strong leader.
Andy Robertson (7/10): Looked solid in defense and contributed offensively, winning possession and moving up the field frequently.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): Scored twice, showcasing a return to his dynamic abilities, though the level of opposition was a factor.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10): Played a crucial role in midfield, effective in both ball recovery and creating opportunities.
Florian Wirtz (7/10): Scored a goal, indicating a rise in confidence following a slow start at Liverpool.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (7/10): Played a vital role, scoring a superb free-kick, signaling his return at a critical juncture of the season.
Hugo Ekitike (8/10): Instrumental in attacks with a goal and assist, displaying his attacking flair.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): Contributed to the play but couldn’t find the net.
Substitutes and Manager
Wataru Endo (7/10): Stepped in effectively as a right-back, showcasing his versatility despite not being a long-term solution.
Trey Nyoni (6/10): Came on midway through the second half but had limited impact.
Ngumoha River (6/10): Played alongside Nyoni but struggled to make a substantial impact.
Federico Chiesa (7/10): Scored shortly after being substituted, adding to the scoreline effectively.
Amaro Naro (6/10): Managed to finish the match without incident, providing some reassuring youth depth.
Arne Slott (7/10): Delivered a commanding performance from the team that allayed concerns about his future, though the loss of Frimpong raises concerns about defensive depth.
Fan Take: Liverpool’s resurgence in the Champions League highlights their capacity to rally during tense moments, a quality that keeps fans hopeful despite domestic struggles. Their ability to deliver strong performances will be crucial for the team’s morale and could shape their fight for both league and cup honors as the season progresses.
