Liverpool take a 5-2 lead into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Roma after an incredible first-leg at Anfield.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players:
Loris Karius – 6
He made a mess of a long-range effort from Aleksandar Kolarov in the first half. The Liverpool goalkeeper got extremely lucky after flapping at a shot which went past him and hit the crossbar. Karius was largely untested otherwise. He dived the wrong way for Roma’s penalty and maybe could have been quicker off his line before Dzeko’s goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
The young full-back was pinned back in his own half by Roma’s wing-backs early in the first period. However, once the visitors’ initial attack fell away and Liverpool took control of the match, Alexander-Arnold became more involved and was a very useful attacking outlet. His long passes behind Roma’s back three were key in turning the Italians and setting up Liverpool to run riot. He was involved in two of Liverpool’s goals after the break but was caught-out, like Lovren, for Roma’s first goal.
Dejan Lovren – 7
He didn’t put a foot wrong against Manchester City in the quarter-finals, and Lovren was solid again tonight for Liverpool until Roma’s goal. Before Dzeko’s goal 10 minutes from time, Lovren was equal to everything the Serie A side threw at him, winning several aerial battles and recording more clearances than any other player on the pitch. Then his misjudged the flight of a ball into the box and saw Roma pull a goal back.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
The gloss was taken off a largely solid Liverpool defensive performance when Roma scored two late goals. Before that Van Dijk, like Lovren, and had barely put a foot wrong.
Andrew Robertson – 7
A quiet night by his own standards, the Scottish full-back was still very neat in possession and prepared to get forward at every opportunity.
Jordan Henderson – 7
He worked hard, won his tackles and picked up some second balls for his side, but Henderson wasn’t particularly brilliant in possession. Ultimately it didn’t matter and it’s not like he’s in the team for his ability on the ball anyway.
James Milner – 7.5
He set up Liverpool’s fifth goal with a pinpoint corner to find Firmino, and he worked hard throughout. He won’t be happy to have given away the penalty for Roma’s second goal.
Most assists in the Champions League this season:
🔴 James Milner (7)
🔴 Roberto Firmino (6)Way out in front. pic.twitter.com/a5mIIQeQtq
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 24, 2018
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian – N/A
Started brightly but picked up a knee injury after 20 minutes and was forced off.
Mohamed Salah – 10
Salah scored two incredible goals in the first half, his 42nd and 43rd strikes of the season. The Egyptian is in the form of his life and was a constant threat, running in behind Roma’s back three and cutting inside to link up with Roberto Firmino. Salah was the difference between the two teams, a world-class player at the peak of his powers, who turned provider after the break to set up Liverpool’s third and fourth goals. Jurgen Klopp’s side need to do everything they can to keep hold of him.
Salah! Again! Wow!
This time the coolest of dinks over the keeper! 😎
Goal number 43 of the season 😳 pic.twitter.com/pkQWlhS26l
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 24, 2018
Sadio Mane – 7.5
He had a first half to forget, fluffing a couple of shots on goal. However, Mane kept getting into dangerous positions and managed to get on the scoresheet in the second half.
Roberto Firmino – 10
Firmino was brilliant again. The Brazilain created several chances with his clever play and bewitched Roma with his excellent close control. He was involved in both of Salah’s goals and got the goals his display deserved in the second half, scoring twice. A fantastic footballer.
Subs
Georginio Wijnaldum -7
Tidy in possession and worked hard, helping Liverpool overrun Roma’s midfield half-way through the opening period.
Danny Ings &Â Ragnar Klavan – Neither were on long enough to rate.
