Liverpool ratings as Joe Gomez endures night to forget in crazy game against Red Bull Salzburg

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  • Liverpool’s second-half implosion was remedied by Mohamed Salah’s winner as the Reds went from cruising to losing in a madcap game against Red Bull Salzburg.

    Strikes from Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah had put the hosts 3-0 up by half-time, as they looked to forget their nightmare in Napoli two weeks prior.

    But Salzburg roared back through Hwang Hee-Chan and Takumi Minamino either side of half-time, and teenage sensation Erling Braut Haaland came off the bench to level things up on the hour mark to silence Anfield.

    However, Liverpool can never be counted out thanks to their heavyweight ammunition and it was Salah who landed the killer blow with 20 minutes to go to end a breathless game 4-3.

    Here are our Liverpool ratings …

    LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

    Adrian – Not at fault for the goals, a nervy moment when he lackadaisically passed out from the back and was nearly caught in possession. 5

    Trent Alexander-Arnold – Much of Liverpool’s attacking play funnels through their full-backs and with 125 touches, Trent was the fulcrum. A couple of key defensive stops and another assist under his belt. 7

    Joe Gomez – All over the shop. Drawn out of position for Salzburg’s first and flew recklessly into a challenge for the second. Then was nowhere near the cross that Haaland tapped in. Where is his pre-injury form? 3

    Virgil Van Dijk – Looked bemused by his junior partner but has to take his fair share of the blame. Far too easily turned for Hwang’s goal – was probably wishing for the injured Joel Matip to materialise out of thin air. 4

    Andy Robertson – You won’t see a left-back anywhere in the world making the type of instinctive run in the box that Robertson initiated for Liverpool’s superb second, combining with Alexander-Arnold. Was everywhere in attack, particularly in the first half. 8

    Fabinho – Beautiful long ball presented Salah with a first-half chance the Egyptian really should have scored, but his harrying led to Mo’s eventual winner. A good game despite the eventual pandemonium. 7

    Giorginio Wijnaldum – Bypassed continuously as Salzburg waltzed through Liverpool’s midfield at will in the second half. Substituted for Divock Origi 5

    Jordan Henderson – His inaction in comparison to Fabinho was acute. Chasing shadows and was hauled straight off for James Milner after Haaland’s equaliser. 4

    Sadio Mane – There’s magic in those feet of his. Operating on hyper-speed, with Firmino on the same wavelength, in the one-two that brought about his goal. Dangerous throughout 8

    Roberto Firmino – Another ‘low-key’ special game from the Brazilian, his two assists for Mane and then Salah’s second proving once again that the Reds would find it hard to function without him. 8

    Mohamed Salah – He scored the double – and the all-important winner – but he was clearly a notch or two below the impeccable standards Mane and Firmino were setting. Nicely taken goals, though could have had several more if not for wayward finishing. 7

    SUBSTITUTES

    James Milner (61′) – Liverpool were noticeably much steadier when the veteran midfielder came on 7

    Divock Origi (63′) – Was thrown on as things got desperate, but an intervention wasn’t required from him in the end 5

    Naby Keita – (90′) – N/A

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