Liverpool things learned as hat-trick hero Sadio Mane steals the show in 5-0 win over Porto

Aditya Devavrat 02:15 15/02/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Sadio Mane's hat-trick earned Liverpool a stunning win.

    Liverpool became the latest English side to emerge from an away first leg in control of their Champions League tie, blowing Porto away in an astonishing 5-0 win.

    Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino scored their customary goals but Sadio Mane was the star, grabbing a hat-trick.

    Here are three things learned from the stunning win.

    MANE STEALS THE LIMELIGHT

    While there’s been plenty of talk about a Fab Four, and then a Fab Three after Philippe Coutinho left, Salah and Firmino have streaked away from their other partner in crime this season. There have been suggestions that Mane has struggled to adapt to no longer being Liverpool’s standout attacker, being forced into the shadows somewhat thanks to Salah’s incredible season.

    A hat-trick in a knockout tie, away from home, should silence those doubts. His eye for goal remains undiminished, and while this was a strong team effort Mane deserved the plaudits for his display. The hat-trick in a 5-0 win has all but secured Liverpool’s passage to the Champions League quarterfinals – match-winning displays don’t come much better than that.

    Salah and Firmino have hogged the headlines, but this was Mane's night.

    Salah and Firmino have hogged the headlines, but this was Mane’s night.

    WIJNALDUM SENDS A REMINDER

    Liverpool have had a bit of a merry-go-round in terms of their midfield selection this season, with five players vying for three spots. Last season, one of those spots would have been guaranteed to Georginio Wijnaldum, but he hasn’t hit the same heights this season, and has thus often been out of the starting XI.

    Given a starting berth today, the Dutchman reminded everyone just how good he can be when he’s on his game. His energy and running in midfield set the tone for Liverpool, and earned the Reds their opener. He never tired, driving Liverpool forward throughout the game, and his control of the ball in possession, not to mention his quick movement and passing, was outstanding.

    Wijnaldum delivered a throwback performance,

    Wijnaldum delivered a throwback performance,

    LIVERPOOL’S DEFENDERS SHOW PROGRESS

    The arrival of Virgil Van Dijk has been crucial, no doubt, but this was a night where his colleagues were the ones putting in more eye-catching displays. Young Trent Alexander-Arnold was supposed to be in for a tough night against Yacine Brahimi, but the 19-year-old won that duel hands down, to the extent that Brahimi was hooked with over half an hour to go and Porto chasing the game.

    Andy Robertson was equally solid at left-back, while the much-maligned Dejan Lovren, had an excellent outing, reading the game well, stepping up to intercept and stop Porto’s attacks, looking assured in the tackle and composed on the ball. And when needed, Van Dijk was brilliant, with the highlight a superb goal-saving tackle in the second half.

    Alexander-Arnold delivered an excellent defensive performance.

    Alexander-Arnold delivered an excellent defensive performance.

    Recommended