Liverpool still has a clean record in the Champions League this season, even though they didn’t play their best in Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over RB Leipzig. The Reds played badly in the beginning and end of the game at the Red Bull Arena, but they won thanks to two players who probably wouldn’t have been used if everyone had been healthy.

Darwin Nunez, who filled in for Diogo Jota in attack, scored the game’s only goal by getting to the six-yard box in time to tap in Mohamed Salah’s downward header. Caoimhin Kelleher once again showed why he’s thought to be the best No.2 goalkeeper in the world by making a couple of crucial late saves that Alisson Becker would have been proud of.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7.5/10):

Got away with making a mess of an early attempted clearance but made a couple of decent stops from well-struck drives in the first half before essentially earning Liverpool the win with a couple of great saves in the final quarter.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6.5/10):

No issues from a defensive perspective and, as usual, caused problems with his passing. It was Trent’s cross-field ball to Gakpo that led to Liverpool breaking the deadlock. Far from his most influential display, though.

Ibrahima Konate (6.5/10):

Hadn’t been remotely troubled before losing the ball in a horribly dangerous area and was lucky to be bailed out by Kelleher.

Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10):

His usual commanding self and very nearly scored from a Tsimikas corner.

Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):

A couple of loose passes from the Greek here and there but his crossing was a constant threat. No surprise to see him effectively create the opener with a great ball for Salah.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7.5/10):

Yet another impressive showing from the Dutchman, who really does look like the real deal as a defensive midfielder. Work rate is excellent and is great on the ball, with this wonderful ability to just glide past opponents.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Inexplicably booked for diving after being bundled over in midfield but grew into the game and struck the bar with a fine curling effort from the edge of the area after a sublime one-two with Dominik Szoboszlai.

Dominik Szoboslzai (7.5/10):

Still doing so much of the dirty work for his team but also showed his quality going forward, linking superbly with first Gakpo and then Mac Allister to create two big chances.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (6/10):

Registered an assist with the goal-bound header that Nunez poked home but was pretty quiet overall. Indeed, he was the least ineffective of the front three by some distance, so Slot was right to replace him midway through the second half – no doubt with one eye on Sunday.

Darwin Nunez (7.5/10):

Started up front in the absence of the injured Jota and led the line very well, proving a real pain in the neck for Leipzig’s defenders. Deserved his goal and probably should have had a penalty too.

Cody Gakpo (7.5/10):

Retained his spot on the left wing ahead of Luis Diaz and was once again a real livewire in his preferred position. Flashed an effort wide after a terrific run into the centre and also saw an instinctive, close-range effort blocked by Peter Gulacsi.

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Subs & Manager

Luis Diaz (6/10):

Came on for Salah just after the hour mark but made little impact aside from one late strike that was easily saved.

Curtis Jones (N/A):

Replaced Nunez as Slot sought greater solidity in midfield with Liverpool losing control of the game late on.

Andy Robertson (N/A):

Took over at left-back from Tsimikas for the final 15 minutes of normal time.

Joe Gomez (N/A):

As against Arsenal, the versatile defender was brought on in place of Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool looked to shut up shop.

Arne Slot (7/10):

It was by no means pretty but Slot will be delighted with his side, who are developing a nice habit of managing to win without playing well. He’ll also be thrilled by the performance of Nunez up front, particularly if Jota won’t be ready to return up top against Arsenal.