Mohamed Salah struck a wonderful winner as Liverpool sealed a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Needing to beat Napoli 1-0 or two clear goals to qualify, the Egyptian netted in the 34th minute with a turn of pace and fine finish past David Ospina. It was his ninth goal in the competition.
He slipped another effort just wide and Liverpool, and particularly, Sadio Mane, wasted a host of chances to ease their fears.
The Reds, who had not lost a European tie at Anfield since 2014, were almost punished in the closing seconds when Alisson made a superb block to deny Arkadiusz Milik.
Here we analyse the key talking points from Liverpool’s 1-0 win.
SALAH SPARKLES
Liverpool players celebrate Salah’s winner
As Anfield applauded his crucial winning goal, Mohamed Salah bowed down on the pitch to perform Sujood.
There was no smile in his celebration again, but does it matter that he shows no obvious sign of elation?
Perhaps the joy is in scoring itself. What is clear is that he is focused on the task in hand and firing like he did in his record-breaking 43-goal previous season.
At the start he looked a shadow of that with concern he has not looked right since the shoulder injury which wrecked his Champions League final and subsequent World Cup debut with Egypt.
Of course that may have affected him mentally. But the hat-trick against Bournemouth on Saturday was followed by another decisive strike against Napoli and indications of Salah sparkling again.
With swaying hips and close control to bemuse defenders and create chances, coupled with a clinical finish, he had the swagger of old. This was a message for any doubters and Liverpool’s rivals.
KEEPING THE FAITH
Jordan Henderson
Jurgen Klopp’s starting line-up said it all. Despite bringing in fresh faces in the summer to strengthen his team, the Liverpool boss kept faith with those who served him so well to get the result they needed.
On a night when passion and purpose was one, Klopp challenged those players to deliver and they offered a flashback of last season’s Champions League heroics which saw them charge to the final. Of the team that lost to Real Madrid, only Joel Matip and keeper Alisson – replacing Dejan Lovren and Loris Karius – were changes.
The presence of Jordan Henderson prompted much debate. Inspirational captain last season, he has not been as influential in this campaign as Klopp has given new signings Naby Keita and Fabinho opportunities.
There is no question Henderson divides opinion. He’s either liked or not with the argument often that he slows down play and does not suit Liverpool’s fast-paced style.
But it would be churlish to deny he can contribute to this team and is under-rated and under-appreciated. Breaking up play with his work-rate, he is also capable of a defence-splitting pass for which he does not always get much recognition.
What he also does is drive his team-mates through his determination and will to win. Klopp trusts him and so should the fans.
KOULIBALY NOT A SURE THING
Kalidou Koulibaly (l)
Manchester United fans will have watched this match with interest. Not just for the fact their side will visit Anfield on Sunday in a game pivotal to Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions.
But the appearance of Napoli’s big centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
With rave reviews of his performances in Serie A and the Italian side’s Champions League efforts, particularly in the home group stage win over Liverpool, he has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in January.
But the way he was teased and tormented by the Reds front three, and static as Salah swept past him for the winner, suggests Jose Mourinho should hang fire on a potential £90 million bid. He is not worth that much.
For all his physical attributes Koulibaly is a reminder of Eric Bailly, currently out of favour at United, or Eliaquim Mangala at neighbours City.
Both came highly recommended after starring at Villarreal and Porto respectively, but have struggled in English football. For the money United are willing to spend to cure their defensive woes, they should not be taking another gamble.
