Written by Joshua Henry @Jhenry676
Liverpool made it 7 wins from 7 in the Champions League this season after beating Inter Milan 2-0 in the San Siro thanks to goals from Bobby Firmino and Mo Salah.
It was a tough game for the reds in which both sides carved out little opportunities in the first half.
Inter came flying out the blocks in the seconds and heaped pressure on Liverpool. Jurgen’s men soaked it all up and a header from Bobby Firmino killed the Itallian Champions.
Salah finished it all off with a snapshot inside the box to tip the tie in Liverpool’s favour.
Substitutes played a huge part in tonights game and helped Liverpool regain a grip on the game. A classic European away performance and a perfect result!
Alisson 9/10
Ali didn’t have much to do tonight. Not much he could do about Çalhanoğlu’s effort against the woodwork. However when inter played deep balls into the box he claimed them with ease. At times taking chances with cute passes to Ibou or Virj but that’s all part of the Allisson experience.
Trent: 8/10
It was a decent performance by Trent who ultimately delivered with his trademark wonder balls, one leading to the second goal. At times caught out against Perisic as Inter targeted the left hand side. But ultimately stayed solid and made an important interception against Dzeko who was in on goal.
Konate 10/10
His best performance in a Liverpool shirt. An unexpected start for the young Frenchman but he was faultless. Vital interceptions and tackles when Inter were dominating including one high up the pitch where he should get a free kick. Uses his body well against Dzeko who tries to get in behind. Read the game so well particularly in the first half where he covers for Van Dijk when his partner gets caught out of position. Stayed compact even in second half when Inter had there most threatening spell.
Van Dijk 9/10
Many have been saying that Van Dijk has been getting back into the form he was in before his injury, if that’s the case, this performance proves it. Makes defending look effortless as he turns on turbo speed to get in front of Dzeko without breaking a sweat. Second half when Milan came out the blocks, nothing got past him. Blocks, clearances and vital touches frustrating Inter who were piling on the pressure but to no avail. Screaming at his teammates to keep composure was important to with no Hendo until later in the second half.
Robertson 7/10
In what was not one of his best performances, Robbo still manages an assist so it’s hard to be too harsh on him. Sloppy play in the first half led to him giving the ball away in the final third. You could tell he was frustrated with himself because he always gives 100 % but it prompted a sideline scolding from Klopp. Though he improved in the second half with the delivery from the corner for Firmino’s goal, and makes a last ditch tackle on Damian in added time to end his game on a high.
Fabinho 8/10
Fab was uncharacteristically sloppy as the game started as he gives the ball cheaply but quickly wins it back about 5 secs later. He did the same for his teammates putting fires out in the first half as well as bringing the ball forward at times to launch attacks. Taken off in the second half for Hendo as the midfield became overwhelmed by the Inter press.
Thiago 7/10
Thiago wasn’t able to control the game from midfield as he typically does, having to dig in and win the ball which he does successfully at times with his dogged aggression, careful not to get too excited. Seemed to go missing at times though in terms of moving the ball forward but never stopped working hard in defence which was needed particularly in the second half.
Elliott 7/10
Another surprise on the team sheet but a welcome one as Klopp trusted the youngster in a major tie. He didn’t disappoint by any means either with nice touches, linking up with Salah at times as they moved the ball quickly into inters box, he was unlucky too with a nice floated ball that was intercepted before it could reach Salah. Taken off in the second half as it was clear more control was needed in midfield rather than an attacking edge.
Mane 7/10
A frustrating performance from Mane who was getting into the right positions and doing the right things but lacking the finish at the end. Gets up well from the corner in first half but heads over, attempts the spectacular soon after from another corner with an overhead kick which hits the side netting. Though his commitment was always there and was trying to make things happen when he got the ball.
Salah 8/10
A quiet evening for Mo but he won’t care as he adds to his astounding goal tally for the season. Often isolated in the first half but when he did get the ball he did his marauding runs into the box getting blue and black shirts into sixes and sevens but just couldn’t find away through the inter defence. But when the ball drops to him in the box late in the second half he’s onto it and it’s in the back of the net. One shot, one goal. Happy days.
Jota 7/10
Jota’s game comes to life in the box and we didn’t create many chances in the box and the one occasion we did his shot was deflected. Although when he came deep he was effective breaking the lines, it just didn’t happen enough and he was brought off in the second half for Bobby.
Subs
Henderson: 8/10
The skippers form has been called into question but he showed why he’s been so effective for us over the years. A commanding presence, he calms the storm in midfield, connecting play and being the platform to allow us to get back on the ball and create chances.
Firmino 9/10
Bobby loves massive goals in Europe!! Coming on second half he struggled to imprint his mark on the game by as inter defenders hounded him and he lost the ball. But once Klopp made the substitutions in midfield it allowed Firmino more space to play his game. His goal from the corner shows his intelligence as a goal scorer too, peeling off Bastoni and glancing the ball beautifully into the corner of the net. Don’t write him off.
Keita 8/10
Naby has made a claim to play in the second leg. He was neat in possession, progressive with the ball. Especially with one particular run through the heart of Inters midfield, as well as impressive defensively filling in for Trent when he bombed forward.
Diaz 8/10
This fella is electric. Came on and was taking on anyone in front of him, was unlucky not to get a goal when he linked up with Trent as his shot is blocked.
Milner 8/10
Brought on to be a nuisance and run down the clock, he was tidy in possession helping Liverpool to see out the game, making tackles and a cheeky foul to make sure the 2-0 lead was intact.
