The summer signing scored the game’s opening goal to cap off an amazing performance and help Jurgen Klopp’s club get back on track.

On Thursday, Liverpool improved to 2-0 in the Europa League group stages with a 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring with the first goal of the year. The Dutch midfielder capped off an outstanding performance with a tap-in after goalie Anthony Moris made a handling error.

Despite making nine changes from Saturday’s controversial loss at Spurs, Jurgen Klopp’s team maintained possession early and often. Darwen Nunez missed a tap-in after Mohamed Salah played the ball into the net, and Moris made a key save early on to deny the Egyptian attacker.

After Moris tossed Trent Alexander-Lower Arnold’s effort at his feet right before halftime, the two engaged in a showdown, which was broken by Gravenberch. Klopp made three substitutions at halftime, which slowed down the home team. But in the second half, Luis Diaz hit the post despite seeming offside in the buildup (these days, anything can happen! ), and Diogo Jota and Gravenberch both had shots that Moris pushed over.

Union of Belgium tried to level the score in the final 20 minutes, but they scarcely tested Alisson Becker until Jota scored in stoppage time.

GOAL ranks Liverpool’s players at Anfield.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2023–24Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2023–24

Becker: (6/Goal/Goal: Alisson/Goal: Goal: Goalkeeper

Gravenberch scored after a quick counterattack was started by the forward. One flap at a corner aside, sturdy in whatever he did.

T. A. Arnold, Trent (6/10):

He had some early rust to shake off after returning from injury, but he found his passing range and contributed to the game’s first goal with a driving run and shot. A change was made after an hour.

7/10 Ibrahima Konate:

I came back and put up some solid challenges and blocks right at the end. Defended admirably in the absence of Van Dijk.

8/10 – Jarell Quansah

Especially level-headed for a rookie athlete of his stature. Despite a few wide-open passes, the kid had yet another outstanding performance.

6 out of 10 for Kostas Tsimikas.

It’s better to attack than to defend at any time. An excellent replacement for Robertson.

The 2023-24 Wataru Endo Liverpool

Midfield Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

After a strong first half, his goal was well deserved. Silky smooth in possession and always attempting to breach the lines, the Dutchman will be worth a Premier League debut sooner rather than later. Slowed down after halftime, but still nearly scored again by drawing a good save from Moris.

6 out of 10 Wataru Endos:

Helped keep the Reds’ offense moving and fended off the other team’s pressure. At halftime, he’ll likely replace Jones, who’s been suspended for the Brighton game.

Ira Elliott (Harvey):

The 20-year-old put on a lively performance in the center of the field. Always willing to lend a hand to his teammates and push the squad forward on his own accord.

Salomon, Mohamed, Liverpool, 2023–24

Punish Mohamed Salah (6 out of 10):

Within the first five minutes, Will felt he should have opened the scoring but was denied by Moris. Possessed a dangerous threat while in possession, but was limited in his opportunities before halftime.

Darwin Nunez, Rating: 4/10

The Uruguayan forward, who already had a goal disallowed for offside and an attempt parried by Moris, squandered yet another golden opportunity. One of three players replaced at half-time.

5/10 Diogo Jota:

Had a hard time getting going in the first half. Played more centrally after the break but still didn’t contribute much before scoring in stoppage time with a slotted effort.

Klopp, Jurgen We’ll be at Liverpool in 2023 and ’24.

Manager Curtis Jones and the Subs (6/10):

I enjoyed some excellent bursts of incision after being substituted in at halftime.

6/10 Alexis Mac Allister:

He joined his sibling on the field in the second half and helped Liverpool maintain possession.

5.10 Luis Diaz:

I tried to sneak into the game by running behind the defense, but I had no success. Late shot that went in.

Gomez, Joe (6/10):

Substituted in for Alexander-Arnold, who was confident once he got up to speed.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6 out of 10):

Made a negligible impact after replacing Gravenberch with 10 minutes remaining.

7/10 Judgement: Jurgen Klopp

He achieved his goal and was able to give most of his starters a 45-minute respite. Needs only to do well in this group stage to focus on how to proceed in the playoffs.