Liverpool came out on top against PSG in their Group C clash of the UEFA Champions League, courtesy goals from Daniel Sturridge, James Milner and Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool began their 2018-19 UEFA Champions League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over French champions Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s men took the lead through Daniel Sturridge’s header in the first period, soon after which James Milner doubled their lead from the penalty spot, after Gini Wijnaldum was felled inside the box by PSG left-back Juan Bernat.
PSG managed to pull one back before the half-time, when full-back Thomas Meunier volleyed home from inside the box. And, deep into the second period, with just seven minutes left to play, Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net to reinstate parity. But, Liverpool came away with all three points, after substitute Roberto Firmino fired home the winner in stoppage time.
The win sees the Reds take top spot in Group C, with PSG rock bottom as Napoli drew against Red Star Belgrade in the other match in the group.
Six wins out of six. ? pic.twitter.com/xqguLZhaLc
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2018
And here, we run the rule over Liverpool’s performance in a captivating encounter on Tuesday.
Alisson Becker: 6/10
The Brazilian international made a decent stop from compatriot Neymar in the first period, although Liverpool could have been punished from the rebound if not for Virgil van Dijk’s quick reaction. Left rooted to his spot for Meunier’s goal and there’s not a lot he could have done about Mbappe’s strike either. Kept it simple and passed accurately.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8/10
It was always going to be a tough test for the Englishman going up against the likes of Neymar and Angel Di Maria, but the youngster held his own on the night. Was alert defensively and made his fair share of tackles and interventions.
Spent most of the time in the attacking half and delivered some inviting crosses into the box from the right-side. Came close to scoring with a free-kick in the 87th minute.
Joe Gomez: 7.5/10
Another step in the right direction for the young Englishman. Facing the likes of Edinson Cavani and Neymar, the 21-year-old did not look out of place at all, apart from a couple of nervy passes early in the game. Made a couple of important challenges on Neymar and was a confident and composed presence at the heart of Liverpool defence.
Virgil van Dijk: 8/10
The Dutchman drew a save from Alphonse Areola early in the game and was always a threat in set-piece situations. Booked for a rather clumsy challenge on Mbappe. But, apart from that, van Dijk was imperious at the back. Was on hand to deny Cavani a rebound in the first-half and kept popping up with key tackles and interceptions. Unlucky with the equaliser.
Andrew Robertson: 8/10
Picked his moments to get forward with the threat of Mbappe lurking, but was effective each time he ventured into the final third. Set Sturridge up for the opening goal with a brilliant cross. Had a few problems against the French sensation at the back, but dealt with them admirably. Unlucky deflection off of him led to Meunier’s goal.
Gini Wijnaldum: 7.5/10
Moved into a slightly advanced role, the Dutchman looked a bit off pace to start with, but grew into the game with time. Was involved in the buildup to the opening goal and won the penalty after bombing forward into the PSG box. Kept driving the team forward throughout in an energetic display.
Jordan Henderson: 8/10
Returning to the starting XI ahead of Naby Keita, Henderson put in a captain’s performance in the middle of the park. Always at hand to receive the ball from his teammates, or to challenge for second balls, the England international helped out his defenders by doubling up on Neymar and Mbappe when needed.
Strong in tackles, creative with his passing, the captain more than justified his recall to the lineup.
James Milner: 9/10
The veteran midfielder just keeps getting better and better with every passing game. Was a colossal presence on the field for the Merseysiders, going into tackles on Neymar & co. to the delight of the Kop, while dispatching the penalty with great composure to double his team’s advantage in the first half.
Was a thorn in PSG’s side with his constant pressing and strong tackling, while he helped Liverpool keep moving forward and build attacks. An indispensable part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Mohamed Salah: 6/10
The Egyptian is yet to find the form of last season, but did pose a threat to the PSG defence with his running between the full-back and the centre-back. Managed to get into promising positions on a few occasions. Had a goal ruled out early in the second period. Gave the ball away leading to PSG’s equaliser.
Daniel Sturridge: 7.5/10
Starting ahead of Firmino – his first Champions League start in over five years – the Englishman made his presence felt early in the game planting a powerful header to open the scoring. Wasn’t as industrious as Firmino, but was a willing runner in the final third. Should have had a second but headed weakly from a promising position and fouled Areola, which saw Salah’s goal ruled out.
Sadio Mane: 7/10
The Senegalese speedster started well, with his direct running in the channels causing problems to the PSG backline. But, the final ball was lacking on a number of occasions. Drifted in and out of the game at times, but was key for the Reds as they took the game to the visitors.
Substitutes
Roberto Firmino: 7.5/10
Replaced Sturridge for the final twenty minutes of the game. Worked very hard as usual before winning the game for his team with a sumptuous strike.
Xherdan Shaqiri: N/A
Came on for the tired looking Salah with less than ten minutes left on the clock.
Fabinho: N/A
Injury time substitute for Mane.
