Another game, another case of déjà vu!
Liverpool created a whole host of chances against a meek Spartak side but left Moscow with just a point.
After Emre Can carelessly conceded possession, the hosts charged forward and won a free-kick, which Fernando duly dispatched. Replays showed that Loris Karius, battling to earn fans’ trust, really ought to have kept it out.
Spartak offered little else as Liverpool relentlessly attacked. The away side got their equaliser on 31 minutes following some sublime link-up play between Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho, but the all-important winner proved elusive.
The disappointing Roberto Firmino spurned a number of fantastic opportunities, while Mohamed Salah and substitute Daniel Sturridge also fluffed their lines at crucial moments.
Two points for Jurgen Klopp’s men after two games. It could so easily have been six.
Amidst the doom and gloom, though, a few players shone. Let’s take a look at Liverpool’s three star performers:
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
On a night where the Liverpool defence was rarely troubled, Alexander-Arnold had the opportunity to venture forward and join the attack.
After very nearly scoring a fine volleyed opener, the 18-year-old proved a constant threat down the right flank and delivered a number of dangerous balls into the box.
Nathaniel Clyne is now on the comeback trail, and while question marks remain over Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities, he has proven himself an able deputy, matching Clyne’s effectiveness in advanced positions.
JORDAN HENDERSON
The skipper has had a fair share of stick after a less-than-inspiring start to the season, but followed up a fantastic performance against Leicester with an assured display in the middle of the park on Tuesday night.
Rather than merely knocking the ball sideways, a more ambitious Henderson looked to play incisive passes and delivered one peach of a cross for Firmino, only for the Brazilian to falter.
Combine that with three interceptions and five important tackles, and you have yourself a captain’s performance.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO
Liverpool’s finishing deserted them on all but one occasion. Only Coutinho, who played a smart 1-2 with Sadio Mane before coolly converting, had his shooting boots on, and for that he is worthy of special mention.
After just two and a half games, Coutinho’s importance to the Liverpool team is abundantly clear. The Brazilian makes the club’s revered front three tick, regularly gets amongst the goals and is capable of moments of magic.
The Reds may need a few if they can’t develop a killer instinct.
