Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has been in brilliant form this season. (Getty Images)
Roberto Firmino’s piece of individual brilliance deep into stoppage time ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s side bagged all three points in their Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. The victory should be a huge boost for Liverpool and might play a major role in their qualification to the knockout stages, given that they have been drawn along with Napoli and Red Star Belgrade in a potential group of death.
Liverpool absolutely dominated the first half and Daniel Sturridge headed in the opening goal in the 30th minute before James Milner made it 2-0 for the home side from the penalty spot six minutes later. However, Thomas Meunier pulled one back for the visitors five minutes from the halfway mark.
Liverpool continued their dominance in the second half but Kylian Mbappe equalized in the 83rd minute to make it 2-2. But it was Klopp who had the final say. His masterstroke to bring on Roberto Firmino paid the dividends and the Brazilian ensured that Liverpool ended the night on a high.
Alisson Becker (7/10)
The Brazilian looked pretty solid between the sticks and was hardly at fault for PSG’s goals. He did not have much to do as Liverpool dominated the game for large quarters.
Trent Alexander Arnold (8/10)
The youngster had a wonderful day at the office and kept Neymar at bay for the majority of the game. Got forward with energy and put in some great crosses.
Joe Gomez (7/10)
The Englishman did not have much to do and looked solid defensively with some good tackles. He impressed with his positioning.
Virgil Van Dijk (7/10)
The towering Dutchman had a relatively easy day at the office but could have done more to prevent Mbappe’s equalizer. Got forward and played as a centre-forward at times.
Andrew Robertson (8/10)
Another wonderful performance by the Scotsman as he got the better of Kylian Mbappe for the majority of the game. He showed appreciable levels of concentration and his decision-making was spot on.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7.5/10)
The Dutchman did his job perfectly in the heart of the midfield, pressing the opposition and winning the ball on multiple occasions. He often drove forward and linked play with the attackers.
Jordan Henderson (7/10)
The Englishman flourished in his usual role in the heart of midfield and did not allow much space for the opposition to exploit. He also contributed to the attacking play at times.
James Milner (7.5/10)
Another gritty performance by the former English international. He impressed with his work rate, pressed the opposition and won the ball several times. He also linked play with the players up front and put in some valuable crosses; scored from the penalty spot in the first half.
The Senegalese forward looked impressive with his pacy runs down the left and could have scored late in the second half but put his shot wide.
Mohamed Salah (6/10)
The Egyptian wizard hasn’t hit top gear so far this season and had another poor day at the office. He gave the ball away in the final third on multiple occasions and had a goal disallowed due to a foul committed by Sturridge on Alphonse Areola. He was partly at fault for Mbappe’s equalizer.
Daniel Sturridge (7.5/10)
The former Chelsea man got on the scoresheet with a header in the first half and should have doubled his tally with another in the second half but failed to convert from a relatively easy position. Had a good game overall but was poor in his decision-making.
Roberto Firmino (7/10)
The Brazilian came on for Daniel Sturridge and scored the all-important goal to put Liverpool in the driver’s seat.
Xherdan Shaqiri (N/A)
Came on late and took a couple of corners but did not have time to make an impact
Fabinho (N/A)
The Brazilian made his debut deep into stoppage time but did not have time to do anything noteworthy.
