Liverpool’s win over Rangers, because of a luxurious first-half free kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a second-half penalty by Mohamed Salah, put them on six factors after three video games of their Champions League group stage
Liverpool’s win over Rangers, because of a luxurious first-half free kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a second-half penalty by Mohamed Salah, put them on six factors after three video games of their Champions League group stage
Liverpool put their current stutters behind them to comfortably beat Rangers 2-0 within the Champions League on Tuesday and transfer into second spot in Group A.
The win, because of a luxurious first-half free kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a second-half penalty by Mohamed Salah, put the six-times European champions on six factors after three video games — three factors behind leaders Napoli.
The Scots, who barely threatened Liverpool to the frustration of their passionate followers full with a bagpipe-player, stay backside of the group on zero factors.
In want of a morale booster after their poor begin to the Premier League, Liverpool’s four-man assault of Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez swarmed over Rangers from the off. By distinction, the guests’ Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos was largely remoted.
Liverpool supervisor Juergen Klopp was delighted by his workforce’s tidy and assured efficiency, albeit in opposition to clearly weaker opposition, particularly the primary aim from Alexander-Arnold whom he had defended from current criticism.
Alexander-Arnold, whose probabilities of making England’s World Cup squad are within the steadiness after current below-par shows, struck an excellent free kick over the wall and previous Rangers keeper Allan McGregor within the seventh minute to lift the roof off Anfield.
“All that matters is performing for the team. It’s been a slow start to the season but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” stated Alexander-Arnold, who drew a standing ovation when he was substituted late within the recreation.
“The performance was great from the lads. On Saturday, it was disappointing. It was the complete opposite today,” he added, referring to Liverpool’s 3-3 dwelling draw with Brighton on the weekend.
Gulf in leagues
Liverpool’s Nunez might have had a hat-trick within the first half as McGregor pulled off 4 saves in succession from the Uruguayan striker.
But it was Salah who scored the second from the penalty spot within the 53rd minute after Diaz was introduced down within the field.
The so-called “Battle of Britain” conflict underlined the gulf in high quality between the highest flight divisions in England and Scotland.
Rangers appeared drained and exhausted making an attempt to stem Liverpool’s assaults because the intuitive Thiago Alcantara blocked assaults and fed by balls from midfield.
Virgil van Dijk, who has been within the firing line for Liverpool’s leaky defence of late, was barely troubled on the again, though Rangers substitute Rabbi Matondo did power a aim line clearance from Kostas Tsimikas within the dying minutes.
“We are competing against one of the best sides in Europe. The level we face is very high and the level we have today wasn’t good enough to get something out of the game,” stated Rangers supervisor Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The former Netherlands midfielder praised his aspect, nonetheless, for limiting Liverpool to 2 targets and for an improved second-half efficiency. “We will learn from this game,” he stated, singling out goalkeeper McGregor for a powerful efficiency.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson stated the win was a aid after current strain on the workforce, who sit an uncharacteristic ninth within the Premier League and misplaced their opening Group A conflict to Napoli.
“It felt good out there,” he stated.
“You try to not listen to social media, especially when you’re going through a tough period as a team. But it can be difficult, it can hurt. You have to try and find a way to use that as fuel when you get out on the pitch.”
Source: www.thehindu.com