Liverpool dominated the majority of the game against AC Milan but still had to hold out at the end thanks to some frenetic defending.
Neither Joel Matip nor Joe Gomez will feel good watching this game back. Milan tore Liverpool apart over a spell of three minutes to score two goals just before halftime. It was a major shock considering how the game had gone to that point.
Mohamed Salah scored soon after halftime before Jordan Henderson cracked home an impressive winner from outside the box.
Alisson – 5.5
Alisson's standards are such that he may have felt he could have stopped one of the two goals he conceded. Realistically, they were both one-on-ones where he had little chance. Outside of those opportunities, he was solid in everything that he did.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6
His driving run into the box during the first half led to Liverpool's opening goal but we can't ignore the frailties he showed in defence for both goals. The first of which was particularly poor as he failed to cover for Joel Matip when his teammate got caught ball watching. Alexander-Arnold's deliver and link-up play in attack was exemplary as you'd expect.
Andy Robertson – 8.5
Within the first five minutes of the game, Robertson had created two clear cut chances for teammates in the box. He showed off his speed down the left wing on both occasions, first recognizing space he could run into and second intercepting the ball high upfield. He could easily have had two assists by that point.
His energy bursting into the box earned the penalty that Salah missed. Robertson was by far the best player on the field in the first half, driving his team forward and setting the tone for the high press. He was also the only Liverpool defender who didn't make a mistake in defence.
Joel Matip – 4
Although he made a handful of strong tackles and had two shots on target by winning headers at corners in the first half, Matip's good work was undone on both Milan goal. He was drawn to the ball like an underage player for the first, leaving a gap for Ante Rebic to run into. The second was scored after the ball slipped through his legs when he could have cleared it.
It was a night to forget for a defender whose been playing very well this season.
Joe Gomez – 4.5
Similar to Matip, Gomez didn't inspire confidence for either of Milan's goals. He made some crucial interceptions on breaks and played well through the rest of the game at least. The lack of cohesion between these two defenders and Gomez returning after so long out meant the mistakes weren't major surprises.
Fabinho – 5.5
Fabinho was notably slow tracking back on Milan's second goal. That wasn't an isolated incident throughout the game as he appeared a step slower than normal covering ground. He was still strong in tackles and good with the ball but this was a notch below the performances we've come to expect from the Brazilian midfielder.
Jordan Henderson – 8 (subbed off 83')
After not starting against Leeds at the weekend, Jordan Henderson was more full of energy than he usually is. A key component in Liverpool's overwhelming press during the first half, he also showcased his range of passing on a few occasions. He played Mohamed Salah in for one good shot on the edge of the area and set up a chance by switching play with the outside of his boot to Robertson in space.
His performance was capped off by a beautiful strike for Liverpool's third goal. He showed perfect technique on the dropping ball. The keeper had no chance.
Naby Keita – 7 (subbed off '70)
Although he lacks the power to be as industrious as the departed Gini Wijnaldum, Keita played the former Liverpool midfielder's role perfectly in this game. He matched the energy of Jordan Henderson to implement Liverpool's high press and he was very smart with the ball whether it was at his feet or picking out incisive passes.
Mohamed Salah – 7 (subbed off 83')
It was overall a quiet night for Salah. Of course, a quiet night for Salah means a key pass that led to Liverpool's first goal and a goal of his own after a smart finish from Divock Origi's through ball. He will regret that penalty miss in the first half and two other half chances he could have made better off.
Diogo Jota – 5.5 (subbed off 70')
It was a struggle for Jota to find space in this game as AC Milan crowded the final third. He was able to pick precise passes for Mohamed Salah on two occasions during the first half to create half chances. He had two good chances of his own, one in the first half and one in the second half, but his shot was blocked on both occasions after he shifted into space.
Divock Origi – 6.5 (subbed off 62')
Despite playing so little football over recent times, Origi came out sharp and energetic. He led the press and won the ball back on multiple occasions during the first half. The only real blemish he had in the game was his biggest moment when he squandered a fastball from Andy Robertson in front of goal. He should have scored.
He made up for it somewhat early in the second quarter with an inventive through ball for Mohamed Salah to score.
Substitutes
Sadio Mane – 6 (subbed on 62')
Mane was active as soon as he came on. He got the ball at his feet and drove at the defence but found similar struggles to Diogo Jota with so many bodies around him. He did pick out a cross across the face of the goal that Curtis Jones should have knocked in at the back post for Liverpool's fourth goal.
He had a chance to get in on goal during injury time but took too long on the ball and let the defender poke it away.
Curtis Jones – 5 (subbed on 70')
Jones could have scored soon after coming on if he had anticipated Sadio Mane's backpost cross and atacked it. A natural winger might have taken advantage of that opportunity. Jones, a natural midfielder, almost made up for it soon after with a driving run and left footed shot from range that went just past the post.
Jones was wasteful on a break during injury time when Liverpool were looking to kill the game.
Thiago – 5.5 (subbed on 70')
While he didn't stand out in this cameo like he did from the start against Leeds, Thiago solidified the middle of the field when he came on. He retained possession and kept he shape of the team as Liverpool saw out their victory.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – N/A (subbed on 83')
James Milner – N/A (subbed on 83')
Derby County handed points deduction over financial breaches
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