Liverpool entertained Genk at Anfield earlier tonight hoping to pick up maximum points from the contest. The Reds began the match on the front foot and took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of an instinctive finish from Georginio Wijnaldum. Jurgen Klopp’s men were utterly dominant in the first half, but they struggled to add to their goal tally. Genk came back strong just before half-time and managed to net the equaliser in the 40th minute via Mbwana Aly Samatta’s header.
The Merseyside giants came out roaring in the second half and scored in the 52nd minute via Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s excellent finish. The Belgian side hung on in search of an equaliser, but all of their efforts were in vain as the home side ran out 2-1 victors on the night.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against Genk.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6.5/10
The Brazilian keeper hardly had anything to do, but he did manage to pull off a world-class save in the second half. His ball-distribution was once again excellent tonight.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
The English right-back did not have too much defending to do. However, he excelled high up the pitch as he played some majestic passes during the game. The English youngster was the home team’s primary playmaker throughout the game, and his performance tonight was a joy to watch.
CB: Joe Gomez – 7/10
The English defensive ace kept things tidy at the back and made some vital clearances for his team.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
The Dutch centre-back did turn his engines on for a couple of recovering runs, but he was largely untroubled during the game.
LB: James Milner – 5/10
The veteran midfielder did well to slot in at left-back, but some of his passes were a bit risky which could have cost Liverpool a goal. Overall, he had an average game tonight.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 7.5/10
The Dutch talent put in a tireless display at the middle of the park. He made some wonderful driving runs into the opposition box and was always willing to link up play with others around him. Wijnaldum also opened the goal-scoring in the first half when he found the back of the net with an instinctive strike.
CM: Fabinho – 6.5/10
The Brazilian made some essential tackles to win back possession for his team. He was also tidy with his distribution of the ball.
CM: Naby Keita – 6/10
The Guinean playmaker interchanged play well with others but ran out of steam in the second half which led to his substitution.
RM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5/10
The former Arsenal star took his goal well when Salah presented him with a great chance to give Liverpool the lead in the 52nd minute. He also had a couple of decent attempts at goal. However, his energy levels dissipated in the second half.
ST: Mohamed Salah – 7/10
The Egyptian international did everything but score in the second half. He failed to find the finishing touch inside the Genk penalty box but still has an assist to show for his efforts.
LM: Divock Origi – 7/10
The Belgian striker showed a few glimpses of his brilliance, but he couldn’t manage to score a goal.
Substitutes:
LB: Andrew Robertson – 6/10
The Scottish full-back came off the bench to see out the win.
RM: Sadio Mane – 6/10
The Senegalese speedster encouraged his Liverpool teammates to remain calm when they were put under pressure in the final few minutes of the contest.
ST: Roberto Firmino – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
