After recently battering the Slovenian side at home, Liverpool faced a visiting team determined to avoid a repeat showing. While patience was required from the Reds, they eventually dispatched Maribor 3-0 at Anfield to all but punch their ticket to the elimination rounds.
Liverpool now only need one victory from their final two matches to advance from the group stage. While not a given, they remained atop the group and are in prime position to win the group.
Despite being a European night, the match looked remarkably similar to Saturday’s 3-0 victory against Huddersfield. A much need win against a team determined to defend, the Reds would have to wait until the second half to split the deadlock. The Reds dominated possession but lacked the necessary quality in the final third. There was even another missed penalty, this time by James Milner to thicken the plot.
While Mo Salah finally broke through after the break, it was Emre Can’s tidy one-two with a finish that truly broke the tension in the ground from the Reds difficulty grabbing the game fully. The German showed the quality that still has supporters curious about his contract situation. Maribor may have ventured forward on occasion but Can’s 64th-minute strike effectively ended things.
Here are four findings from the match.
Wijnaldum Worries
Just 15 minutes into the contest, Gini Wijnaldum pulled up with a wince. Given the number of Liverpool players currently on the treatment table and struggling for fitness, no chance would be taken. The Dutchmen seemed to have twisted an ankle in an awkward challenge. He clearly looked in pain and remained on the pitch for treatment. However, he was able to leave under his own power when substituted.
The seriousness of the injury will be of immediate concern especially after his strong performance at the weekend. With Adam Lallana’s return still weeks away and Philippe Coutinho’s recent fight for fitness, Liverpool are starting to look a little thin in midfield, at the minute. It may provide an opportunity for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ben Woodburn, or even Marko Grujić to earn some league minutes. Yet, the international break after West Ham at the weekend might be welcome for a change.
Salah Soaring
Scoring his 10th goal in all competitions, Mo Salah leads Liverpool in goal scoring. The Egyptian international may well have already eclipsed his value as Liverpool’s record signing. Like Sadio Mané last year, he has hit the ground at pace and provided the Reds’ greatest threat.
Even more amazing is just how many more goals Salah could have scored to date. Despite being in double digits, the forward has already earned a bit of a reputation for profligacy. Yet, that should be more a testament to the threatening positions that he constantly finds for himself. Even against Maribor, he likely should have had a second when he failed to finish a header from point-blank range. No player has been as important in the club’s recent run of form.
Trent Ticking
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to perform in the Champions League. Targeted in league play, the youngster has seen the size of Joe Gomez favoured in recent weeks at right back. However, against continental competition the local lad keeps flourishing.
On his home ground, the teenager proved solid defensively and a constant outlet going forward. Against a weaker side, he was Abel to push higher up the pitch and provide excellent service from out wide, creating chances. He whipped dangerous crosses into the box all game, providing the assist on Mo Salah’s opening goal to break the deadlock. He even fashioned a chance for himself late in the second half.
Sturridge Stings
As Liverpool finally produced a second goal to push the inevitable upon Maribor, Jurgen Klopp offered Daniel Sturridge some precious minutes as the striker continues to search for rhythm. It was exactly the kind of situation that seems no made for Sturridge. Entering the match with a lead and a chance to put things out of reach.
It should be no surprise that the England international found his way onto the scoresheet. His entry gave Liverpool some needed impetus to pick up the tempo and ensure that the Reds finished the evening with strength. For the limited cameo, his movement impressed as did his touch. When he knocked down a deep cross after a short corner, there could be no doubt that he would get his first Champions League goal as a Red.