Liverpool beat Union SG in a low-light European night thanks to Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota.
Alisson: 6/10
Due to Caoimhin Kelleher’s injury, the Reds’ No.1 was a surprise starter in the first half and may have been bored when he ran out of his box and went nowhere near the ball. Thankfully, it wasn’t expensive, as he missed a punch and catch after halftime. Ali may not care about the cups, but Quansah has saved him from corner fumbles.
Trent Alexander-Arnold—7
Great pinged deliveries from deep and greater sharpness, altering Liverpool’s play with fast surges past his man. Led the counter and took the first shot that scored before halftime. Played an hour in his first start back and third as captain.
Ibrahima Konate—7
He initially made an impact before halftime by sprinting past Alisson to clear a clipped attempt before it went in. A minute later, he wrestled a dangerous pass from the Union forward to win a free-kick.
Jarell Quansah – 8—Match MVP
Liverpool FC’s Jarell Quansah (L) is challenged by Union SG’s Gustaf Nilsson during the UEFA Europa League Group E matchday 2 encounter at Anfield on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda
Must believe professional football is easy—never seems concerned, passes out wisely and confidently towards midfield, uses both feet, and promptly cleared a ball Alisson dropped into goal.
He showed some defensive skills for the first time in a decent fight with Kevin Rodriguez. Earlier this year, played at Bristol Rovers; now beginning in Europe for Liverpool, amazing!
Kostas Tsimikas—7
Two terrific early crosses and set pieces, with several overlapping runs without being fed the ball.
Defense: a handful of small issues, but nothing too worrying and helped to the build-up. Tsimikas played well overall, save for a 25-yard right-footed shot that was unusual.
Wataru Endo—6
Not too progressive with his passing, but he scooped up the ball between the lines and kept it.
Nothing special or incorrect, maybe didn’t do enough to stick out but seems to be coming closer to the needed pace.
Harvey Elliott—8
Elliott looks good despite some spotty game time at the start of the season, and he flourished in the first half’s midfield gaps.
Two strong runs forward with the ball opened openings for the club, and he was happy to cross channels rather than sit on the right.
Was aggressive, hardworking, and forward-thinking with his passes. A quieter second half but solid performance. Was one of our best players but may not start on Sunday.
Ryan Gravenberch—8
Liverpool, England— Liverpool FC’s Ryan Gravenberch scores the first goal in the UEFA Europa League Group E matchday 2 match against Union SG at Anfield on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda
A great start, gaining possession and avoiding challenges, then a fierce shot that resulted in a disallowed goal. After the goalkeeper fumbled the ball, he scored his first Reds goal with a three-yard tap-in before halftime.
For the record, he appeared thrilled with his first club goal since August last season. Curled almost instantly at hour. Despite his goal, he’s in pole position to replace the suspended Curtis Jones this weekend, just ahead of Elliott.
Mohamed Salah—7
Almost scored on an early one-on-one, saved but predicted.
His quickness and mobility made him unmarkable and set up chances for Darwin and the defense for two or three more.
He received no more chances and substituted at halftime to prepare for the weekend.
Darwin Nunez—6
Followed in nicely but was offside for his ‘goal’ on 10, then couldn’t have missed his next chance on 17′ unless we’ve viewed the replay ten times and he didn’t score.
Was constantly busy and made persistent runs behind the defense and in the channels, but you want him to put it all together more often. Keeping it for Brighton, though…
Diogo Jota—7
The quietest of the front three in the first half, tidy yet off the Reds’ greatest play.
Had a header turned over after halftime in his finest moment; every game he appears more like a penalty area poacher who can score but is slow and lacks the quickness to beat a man or link with teammates beyond the box.
Showed that in stoppage time: couldn’t hold the ball up on the halfway line but was there in the penalty box to finish off the night’s most imprecise, lucky counter-attack!
Substitutes
Alexis Mac Allister (on for Endo, 46′) – 7 – Good defensively and in possession against his brother for the first time.
Curtis Jones (Salah 46′) – 7 Due to his domestic suspension, he got a run-out but didn’t contribute correctly.
Luis Diaz (46′ for Nunez) – 6 Occasionally dangerous and typically a good outlet, but Diaz’s moment isn’t here following a terrific start to the season. Hit the post late but was offside.
Joe Gomez (62′ for Alexander-Arnold): 6 Fair showing. One fantastic cross, two terrific challenges.
Dominik Szoboszlai (78′ for Gravenberch) – n/a Not sure whether he was required to finish the game, but it may keep him sharp.
Unused substitutes: Mrozek, Jaros, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson, Chambers, Doak.
Jurgen Klopp—9
Liverpool, England— Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp during the UEFA Europa League Group E matchday 2 match against Union SG at Anfield on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda
Went strong for the starting lineup and had a more aggressive start.
Clearly followed a plan, with three replacements before halftime and Trent receiving an hour to keep several guys involved yet fresh before the Brighton game on Saturday.
Given certain injuries and suspensions, this was a good, risk-free rotation from the boss in a game we were never in danger of losing.
Two games down in Europe, six points on the board, and hopefully most of the team ready for the big game at the weekend.
He was unhappy with the second-half performance, but it’s not Jurgen’s fault we didn’t take three good chances to win the game.