Liverpool come back stronger, James Milner is a machine and Neymar has much to prove

Alam Khan - Reporter 01:24 19/09/2018
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  • Roberto Firmino came off the bench to strike an injury-time winner as Liverpool opened their Champions League account in dramatic fashion.

    The Brazil striker rescued the Reds after they had let slip a two-goal lead to eventually triumph 3-2 in their thrilling Group C-clash with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

    Four months on from their loss to Real Madrid in the final, the Reds regrouped for another tilt at the title.

    They started strongly with Alphonse Areola called into action four times in the opening 10 minutes. He pushed over a Virgil van Dijk effort one handed over before stretching to his left to keep out a low drive from James Milner and then tipping over a whipped curling corner from Mohamed Salah.

    Neymar tested Brazil compatriot Alisson at the other end, but the hosts were in control and deservedly gained their reward with two goals in six minutes.

    Daniel Sturridge steered in a 30th-minute header from Andy Robertson’s inch-perfect cross, before Georginio Wijnaldum was caught by Juan Bernat and Milner stroked home the spot-kick.

    Thomas Meunier’s volleyed finish was a sloppy goal to concede and when Salah had a goal ruled out and Kylian Mbappe drove in an 83rd-minute leveller, Anfield was stunned. Firmino, though, had the last word.

    CONTENDERS AGAIN, STRONGER FOR FINAL

    The hurt and heartbreak of their showpiece loss to Real Madrid in May remains fresh, but this game showed Liverpool could be better for that experience.

    “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, goes the old saying, and the Reds are certainly stronger. Not just in their mind set as they showed no fear and set about harassing, and at times humbling, a side considered major contenders themselves.

    But also, they look stronger as a team. There were three changes from their final line-up with much-maligned keeper Loris Karius gone, Dejan Lovren injured, and Firmino on the bench after his eye injury.

    New No1 Alisson and fit-again centre-back Joe Gomez provided stability and assurance in their backline and Daniel Sturridge came in and emphasised his worth.

    The frontman’s career has been blighted by injuries, but, when fit, he can be a valuable asset with Firmino shining as a super sub too. This may have been dubbed a group of death and the Reds will be disappointed at how they lost a two-goal lead, but their hopes in the competition are very much alive.

    NEYMAR IS NOWHERE NEAR

    It was on the same day five years ago that Neymar made his Champions League debut in a 4-0 win over Ajax, notable for a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

    Just as the Argentina hero notched another one last night against PSV Eindhoven, his former team-mate struggled again.

    No one doubts Neymar’s talent and nor should they. He is a gifted player who could be a great. And that is the frustration. He could be…

    One early cross-field run, shrugging off Trent Alexander-Arnold, then Jordan Henderson and even James Milner, before trying to release Kylian Mbappe, was an example of his skill and strength. But when his team needed him to lead their comeback, to inspire, he was often found wanting and missing.

    Criticised at the World Cup for his diving antics and moaning, Neymar needs to do more to justify his standing.

    He played a part in Mbappe’s equaliser, but it was too little, too late.

    Supposedly he left Barca for PSG to escape Messi’s shadow. More disappointing showings like this on the biggest stage and he will stay there.

    MILNER IS A TIMELESS MACHINE

    When James Milner left Manchester City in 2015, not many fans were perturbed. More upset perhaps by the fact he left on a free transfer.

    But Milner was a vital cog in the City machine that became English football’s best side, able to play wherever and whenever needed. Cruelly under-rated with his versatility possibly a hindrance, he has deserved to be a regular for club and country.

    At 32, he shows no sign of slowing down and being a bit-part player, and now has the appreciation his performances merit.

    To him, reputations count for nothing and the way he left Neymar on the ground in a strong early challenge reflected his no nonsense approach.

    He helped the Reds rule midfield with a driving performance and was nerveless with his penalty finish. Every side needs a Milner.

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