Liverpool continued their good begin within the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night time as they secured a 1-0 victory in opposition to RB Leipzig at Crimson Bull Area.
The Bundesliga aspect confirmed why they have been one of many in-form groups in Europe early on as they loved the very best of the early exchanges, they usually virtually received in entrance when Benjamin Šeško‘s effort curved narrowly broad after Caoimhín Kelleher‘s error.
Darwin Núñez scored the opener after including the completion to Mohamed Salah‘s header within the twenty seventh minute because the Reds took management of the match from that time, virtually doubling their benefit by means of Virgil van Dijk, whose header from a nook was saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi.
Cody Gakpo got here closest to doubling the lead within the second half however he was denied with a save by Gulacsi that was the catalyst to a greater spell from Leipzig, who started to get into some promising areas.
Loïs Openda had the ball within the web for a second time earlier than the offside flag was raised, whereas the Reds’ defence was compelled to be alert, with loads of interventions from Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté.
The win for Liverpool places them second within the league part behind Aston Villa.
Positives
The Reds proceed their good begin within the Champions League with three wins from three matches. Their efficiency in a difficult away recreation was additionally effectively definitely worth the three factors, which provides supervisor Arne Slot loads to ponder forward of the weekend’s match in opposition to Arsenal when it comes to workforce choice.
Negatives
Liverpool’s begin to the sport was sluggish they usually might have discovered themselves going 1-0 down on one other event. Ending additionally might have been higher, however credit score should even be given to RB Leipzig goalkeeper Gulacsi.
Supervisor ranking (1-10; 10 = finest)
Arne Slot, 7 — Slot reacted effectively to Leipzig’s early stress and set his workforce up with a powerful stability that maintained an attacking risk whereas remaining resolute. His resolution to take Salah off was an astute one given the significance of the subsequent match, and he additionally ensured Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones received some minutes to proceed their current type.
Participant rankings
GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 7 — The Republic of Eire worldwide loved an assured efficiency exterior of his error that introduced a chance to Sesko within the first half, saving from Amadou Haidara on a few events, and exhibiting confidence in his field when claiming crosses. An necessary save denied Sesko within the second half to maintain Liverpool’s clear sheet in place.
DF Kostas Tsimikas, 7 — Tsimikas selected the precise moments to get ahead and performed a component within the opening objective along with his correct cross to Salah earlier than Núñez’s end. He additionally impressed defensively, slicing out possession on a number of events.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Liverpool’s captain commanded the backline effectively all through the sport in opposition to a fast Leipzig ahead line and got here near scoring with a robust header at objective from a nook.
DF Ibrahima Konaté, 7 — A standout efficiency by Šeško noticed him swiftly anticipate hazard and clear it, profitable duels in opposition to each Openda and Šeško. An general robust show from the France worldwide.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — Not as correct as typical along with his passing and gave away possession carelessly on a number of events. Labored laborious down the precise flank and defended effectively in opposition to a number of Leipzig assaults.
MF Ryan Gravenberch, 7 — Carried out play impressively from the No. 6 place however stood out extra for his defensive work. Obtained a significant contact to cease a Leipzig counter-attack after a ball into the field and was all the time in the precise place to break-up play.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — Progressed the ball effectively by means of midfield and selected the precise moments to extend the tempo. Harshly booked for diving after it appeared that there was contact. Hit the bar after some spectacular link-up play with Dominik Szoboszlai.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 — Labored laborious and infrequently set the press for Liverpool throughout Leipzig’s spells of possession. Created an opportunity for Gakpo within the first half with a well-timed move, and virtually received an help for a second time when shedding the ball for Mac Allister.
FW Cody Gakpo, 6 — Assured in working at defenders and precipitated issues all through the match for Leipzig, however he ought to have scored along with his left-footed effort that was saved at close-range from Gulacsi.
FW Darwin Núñez, 7 — Obtained Liverpool forward when including the completion to Salah’s header. Regarded assured all through the night time, and he was unfortunate to not be awarded a penalty after what a foul by Willi Orbán.
FW Mohamed Salah, 7 — Registered the help with a header that discovered Núñez on the again submit. Taken off sooner than typical within the sixty fourth minute for Luis Díaz.
Substitutes (gamers launched after 70 minutes = no ranking)
Luis Díaz (Salah, 64″), 6 — Diaz might have been higher along with his choices at occasions throughout moments through which he misplaced possession, and he additionally ended a notable Liverpool counter-attack after Openda had the ball within the web moments earlier than.
Joe Gomez (Alexander-Arnold, 75″), N/R — Aggressive within the problem for duels and reacted shortly to the hazard. Linked effectively with Szoboszlai when going ahead.
Curtis Jones (Núñez, 75″), N/R — Introduced on to assist see the sport out and was composed in possession, hardly ever placing a foot unsuitable with spectacular decision-making throughout his cameo.
Andy Robertson (Tsimikas, 75″), N/R — Linked effectively with Gakpo when launched and was necessary when driving with the ball throughout Liverpool’s counter-attacks.
