A convincing victory featured some standout performances from a few individuals and strong play overall before the international break.
Premier League (12), Anfield
November 12, 2023
Goals: Salah 39′ 62′, Jota 74′
Alisson (out of 10) – 8
Appeared to need to perform a lot of footwork early on, frequently under pressure, but performed admirably in this area.
When one on one, had a good left hand on a Mbeumo shot, staying big and getting enough on the shot to deflect it off goal. From the Kop, “Alisson, Alisson” rang out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Played a lot of whipping crosses and straight passes from midfield, one of which found Nunez in the build-up to Salah’s goal by breaking the lines.
As would be expected, very involved, ending the game with more touches than any other player on the field (83).
Joel Matip – 7
Much to the pleasure of the crowd, made several of his signature runs forward, which gave Brentford something more to consider when defending Liverpool’s build-up and assaults.
The 32-year-old seemed at ease and was productive in everything he did, and a terrific block in the second half aided the defensive cause.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
threatened to score as well, but Mark Flekken made a great save to prevent a headed opportunity from a Tsimikas corner.
His passing was precise and wide when needed, and any clearing headers he made were always aimed towards a teammate rather than just taking the ball away.
Kostas Tsimikas – 8
Van Dijk and Jota both had early opportunities thanks to well-executed set pieces: one from a corner and the other from a free kick.
Salah’s second goal was assisted by the Egyptian’s determination to grab the ball before it slipped out of play and cross it at the far post.
Albeit not nearly as energetic as Robertson, he makes some excellent opportunities.
Contributes to Jota’s goal assist as well. In the end, he plays strong defence against Mbuemo.
Wataru Endo – 6
His second Premier League debut began with a few careless plays at the beginning, but he eventually got into the swing of things.
Because of the way some of his challenges disrupt opposition play, it often seems like a matter of how long he’s going to last before receiving a yellow card for defensive work, yet he managed to play the entire game.
Considering the recent distribution of red cards, he may have been fortunate to avoid receiving one in exchange for a challenge against Christian Norgaard. It took VAR a while to decide not to give it.
Preformed some helpful defending in the closing moments.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
Produced some good bursts of attacking play and was one of the more effective channels through midfield, completing 50/57 passes.
Cody Gakpo – 6
Had a couple of efforts from distance, well struck but not well directed.
Played in the advanced midfield role on the left, regularly joining the front line but acted more as a useful distraction than a direct threat.
Mohamed Salah – 9 – Man of the Match
Demonstrated some good self-control in confined areas when things were a little chaotic at first.
Maintained composure and patience even though the most of his early activity took place in deeper areas, and he was in the ideal position to make the run for the first goal.
Once he grabbed Nunez’s pass, there didn’t seem to be any question about the result.
Missed a golden opportunity shortly after from Trent’s cross from the left, but added another in the second half, demonstrating patience once more by waiting at the far post until Tsimikas’ cross eventually arrived.
Darwin Nunez – 8
An attacking machine. Shots and direct running, but also hold-up play and an assist.
The latter traits were demonstrated perfectly by his role in Salah’s first goal, holding off defenders, taking a difficult pass, and then laying a perfect pass into Salah’s path.
Had a couple of goals disallowed for offside which showed his constant threat.
Diogo Jota – 8
Couldn’t quite make things happen when some easier chances arose prior to his goal.
On another day he might have had a couple more, had he got on the end of a Tsimikas cross, and not lost control on another occasion when the ball came to him in a good position on the left.
But he eventually found the net, cutting inside from the left and firing into the far corner.
Substitutes
Luis Diaz (on for Jota, 83′) N/A
Harvey Elliott (on for Gakpo, 83′) N/A
Jarell Quansah (on for Alexander-Arnold, 90′) N/A
James McConnell (on for Szoboszlai, 90+4) N/A Premier League debut for the 19-year-old.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Chambers, Scanlon, Doak, Nyoni.
Jurgen Klopp – 8
The manager still had some decisions to make, but the Liverpool bench demonstrated how restricted his options were for this match.
In the end, all of these choices proved to be effective.
Salah, Nunez, and Jota constituted a formidable front three, while Gakpo was a reliable enough midfield player.
In a crucial game to win at this point in the season to maintain pressure on the other clubs at the top of the league, Klopp’s team produced the ideal outcome before the next international break.
