Liverpool recorded their biggest win on the opening day of a Premier League season in 24 years as the rampant Reds started the new campaign in style.
After a fine 2017/18 in which they were the great entertainers, much is being expected of Jurgen Klopp’s side – who are being tipped as champions Manchester City’s main title threat.
On this evidence, that is justified, with this 4-0 triumph their biggest win on the first day of the season since Steve McManaman and Ian Rush both bagged braces in a 6-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace in 1994.
Here we rate the Liverpool players.
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Alisson – 6: Will be content if this is the sort of action he sees all season. Supremely comfortable debut, completing tasks with minimum fuss.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7: Foraged down the right as he started ahead of Clyne. Will look to make the position his own this season. Led Liverpool with four tackles.
Joe Gomez – 7: With Lovren not fit and Klavan injured, took his chance to impress. Didn’t look out of place. Four clearances led his side.
Virgil van Dijk – 7: Dealt superbly with the dangerous Arnautovic. What little he had to do, he did so with consummate ease.
Andrew Robertson – 8: A constant menace. Fine low cross put goal on a plate for Salah and played a big part in the second. Always carried a threat bombing forward.
James Milner – 8: As West Ham switched off, the veteran stayed sharp and brilliantly hooked across goal, giving Mane a tap-in for 2-0. Relentless as always.
Naby Keita – 9: He is going to be brilliant, isn’t he? Busy, boisterous and contributing in attack, he orchestrated the move for the opening goal.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6: Hummed quietly alongside the ball of energy that is Keita. Had a few wayward shots.
Mohamed Salah – 7: Picked up from where he left off last season. Doesn’t look like second season syndrome will be a factor. Scored, although he still looks a little off his best.
Roberto Firmino – 7: Sniped and slalomed between the lines, slipping in a fine assist for Mane’s (admittedly offside) second.
Sadio Mane – 9: Didn’t see the best of him at the World Cup but sharp and alert, pouncing to score a brace.
SUBS:
Jordan Henderson – 6: Cameo from the captain. An easy runout when 3-0 up.
Xherdan Shaqiri N/A: Looked sharp and lively in the few minutes he had.
Daniel Sturridge N/A: Super sub. Scored with his first touch seconds after coming on.
