Liverpool kicked off their European campaign in style, as a stoppage-time goal from Roberto Firmino handed the Reds all three points in their game against PSG on Tuesday. The Reds started the game well but PSG found their footing and started to dominate proceedings before Klopp’s men took the lead through Daniel Sturridge against the run of play.
Georginio Wijnaldum won a penalty just six minutes later, which was duly converted by James Milner, to give the hosts a two-goal lead. But Thomas Meunier pulled one back just before halftime, to give the visitors some hope, going into the second half. Mohamed Salah had a goal disallowed, which might be controversial, but PSG drew level after Kylian Mbappe finished from close range, meeting a ball laid by Neymar Jr, after a mazy run.
However, Roberto Firmino, who only came off the bench, showed great skill and technique to score a minute into stoppage time, to give Liverpool all three points. Here are the players’ ratings for the Reds in this late win at Anfield:
Alisson Becker (6)
Had just three saves to make and could not have stopped either goal. Had a rather comfortable night otherwise.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7)
Gave Neymar no space or time on the ball on the right flank. Found loads of space in the opposition half, and had more touches than any other Liverpool player, often making decent use of possession.
Joe Gomez (7)
With two clearances and a passing accuracy of 90%, Gomez was not easy to beat for the likes of Edinson Cavani, as he put in yet another matured performance to win his side the game.
Virgil van Dijk (8)
With six clearances and two key passes, the Dutchman was crucial to Liverpool keeping the PSG attack away from Alisson’s goal. He also made a crucial block late in the game, that allowed the Reds to steal all three points in the end.
Andrew Robertson (7)
Not his usual self in the final third but did well against Mbappe, hardly leaving space behind him for the youngster to attack down his flank. Put in a sumptuous first-time cross to help Sturridge score his goal.
Jordan Henderson (8)
In one of his better games of the season, the Liverpool skipper registered three tackles and two key passes, all the while maintaining a passing accuracy of 88%. He kept the ball rolling in the midfield and was influential in recycling possession for the hosts.
Georginio Wijnaldum (8)
Won the penalty after some nifty work in the box and hardly ever surrendered the ball. Completed 93% of his passes and held on to the ball well to keep his side on the front foot.
James Milner (9)
Full of energy all night, the English midfielder put in nine crosses and made five tackles in the middle of the park. He kept the PSG midfield honest, giving them no time or space to work with.
Mohamed Salah (5)
Was dispossessed five times, more than any other player for the Reds. Gave away the ball in the build-up to PSG’s equalizer and was often clumsy on the ball. But registered a couple of key passes and was at times a threat to the visiting backline.
Sadio Mane (6)
Completed more dribbles than any other player for Liverpool but was not as effective as he usually is, registering just a couple of key passes all night.
Daniel Sturridge (7)
Great work rate and positioning sense allowed Liverpool to create problems galore for the PSG defence. Took his goal well, could have had another and will be relatively pleased with his rare outing.
Subs:
Roberto Firmino (8)
Came on with 20 minutes to spare, had just nine touches in the game, just one shot on target but scored the all-important goal that left Thomas Tuchel’s side red-faced at the end.
Xherdan Shaqiri (6)
Was involved in a couple of attacks but had very little time to test Alphonse Areola in goal.
Fabinho (N/A)
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
