Trent Alexander-Arnold stole the show as Liverpool secured their second win in the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Midtjylland.
Liverpool extended their winning run to three games in all competitions following a 2-0 win over Midtjylland in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The victory helps them remain on top of their group while boosting their confidence ahead of a key Premier League match-up against West Ham United on Saturday.
The Reds were the dominant side in this fixture, although Jurgen Klopp’s side would have been disappointed to create only a limited amount of clear cut opportunities, especially in the first-half, as Midtjylland defended in deep blocks, offering very little space around the penalty area. The game remained goalless at half-time.
Two wins from two to start Group D ??
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2020
Liverpool were once again the better side after the restart and deservedly snatched the lead through Diogo Jota thanks to some excellent build-up. Midtjylland did respond well, especially during the midway stages of the second half, but were unable to find a clear opening.
It was too little too late as Mohamed Salah eventually killed the game during added time as he won a penalty before converting it himself to seal all three points for his side. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Liverpool players following their comfortable victory over their Danish opponents.
Alisson: 7/10
Alisson had to remain sharp right from the beginning, with the goalkeeper making an early save to deny Anders Dreyer. Fortunately for him, that was the only save he had to make all game as Midtjylland managed to conjure up only one shot on target. Alisson, otherwise, was a reliable presence between the sticks, offering confidence to his defensive teammates.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 9/10
One of the best performers for Liverpool in this fixture, Trent Alexander-Arnold was the main source of creativity for his side, thanks to his effective forays down the right flank. The Englishman initially played a key role in the opener by linking up with Xherdan Shaqiri, before squaring it to Diogo Jota.
Alexander-Arnold was then involved in another opportunity for Robert Firmino late in the game, although the Brazilian failed to capitalise his chance. Either way, this performance should serve as a major boost for the right-back, who hasn’t been at his best so far this campaign.
Fabinho: 7/10
Fabinho’s night was cut short cut due to a hamstring problem that saw him leave the pitch around the half-hour mark. It could serve as a massive blow for Klopp, who is already missing out on the services of Virgil van Dijk. Maybe it is time the Reds go for someone like Conor Coady, who is already being touted as the ideal replacement for the Dutchman.
We are waiting to discover the extent of the injury @_fabinhotavares sustained during tonight's win.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2020
Joe Gomez: 8/10
Following the early departure of Fabinho, there was fear in the Liverpool camp as to whether or not Joe Gomez can take up the additional responsibility and that is something he did incredibly well.
The Englishman’s strong, imposing presence at the back was crucial in preventing Sory Kaba from making an impact in this fixture. As such, the centre-back won a number of headed duels while he was also quite calm and composed with the ball at his feet.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5/10
Completely lost his marker Dreyer for an early chance for Midtjylland, but responded well thereafter, providing a calming presence on the left side. He wasn’t as influential as Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank but that made sense, following the substitution of Fabinho which means Liverpool had to retain some sort of balance in their defensive unit.
Xherdan Shaqiri: 7/10
Shaqiri wasn’t consistent with his involvement in terms of Liverpool’s attacking moments, especially in the first half. But, the Swiss international looked like a menace whenever he was on the ball. His link-up play, in particular, raised a lot of eyebrows, with the ex-Bayern Munich player playing a key role in the build-up to Jota’s opener. A nice one-two with Alexander-Arnold that opened up the opposition defence.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Henderson had to work hard to retain his dominance in midfield as he was often hurried and hassled by the Midtjylland players. Yet, the Englishman did exceptionally well, threading a lot of passes before making way for Georginio Wijnaldum at the start of the second half.
James Milner: 6.5/10
James Milner certainly wasn’t the best player on the pitch for Liverpool in this game. The former Manchester City star lacked the composure as well as the clarity that was evident in the performances of his teammates. He also had an opportunity to score in the first half.
Milner did, however, improve in the second half. His work-rate was essential in Liverpool’s second line of press and it was overall a decent shift from the veteran midfielder.
Diogo Jota: 7/10
With Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah missing from the starting lineup, Jota was always going to be the focal point of the Liverpool attack in this match. The Portuguese international proved that by scoring the all-important opener, although, in truth, he wasn’t much involved as he would have liked.
The ex-Wolves star looked much more comfortable alongside the likes of Salah and Mane, before making way for Firmino with just nine minutes remaining on the clock.
Takumi Minamino: 5/10
Takumi Minamino’s struggles at Anfield continues as he failed to make any real difference to the proceedings despite a hard-working display in the false nine role. Not the best of games for the Japanese international, who ultimately made way for Salah around the hour mark.
Divock Origi: 5/10
Divock Origi’s pace and physicality made him a better attacking outlet when compared to someone like Minamino. But, one would expect much better from a Liverpool striker, even though he is just second fiddle to Firmino. The Belgian was rarely a threat for the Midtjylland defence.
Substitutes
Rhys Williams 7.5/10
Replaced Fabinho around the half-hour mark and was given the responsibility of providing solidity to the Liverpool backline. He did that with aplomb, with the youngster looking very calm in possession whilst offering very few chances for Midtjylland attackers to wreak havoc in the Liverpool half.
Boss, Rhys ? pic.twitter.com/v49S9JqhNR
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2020
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7/10
Came in for Henderson at the start of the second half and offered a more direct approach in regards to his build-up play. The Dutchman did indeed provide a lot of forward passes, ultimately helping Liverpool retain their lead while maintaining dominance in the middle of the park.
Mohammed Salah: 8/10
Made an immediate impact after replacing Minamino around the hour-mark. The Egyptian international looked untouchable, at times, making a host of dangerous runs in behind the backline, one of which led to the penalty, which he converted with sheer confidence to effectively seal all three points for his side.
Sadio Mane: 6.5/10
Offered more dynamism to the Liverpool attack after coming on for Origi in the second-half. Presented himself as a vital cog in the attack.
Roberto Firmino: N/A
A late replacement for Jota. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
