With a professional display, Liverpool cruised to win over Porto. On a night where Thiago and Mohamed Salah found the net, here are six things that were noticed.
Liverpool knew they'd already secured first place in Group B heading into their meeting against Porto at Anfield, and the game played out in much the same way. A moment of absolute perfection from Thiago made the difference in an evening that seldom got out of second gear, before Mohamed Salah put the game to bed to secure a 2-0 win.
Jürgen Klopp named a mixed team that included both first-team regulars and fringe players. In terms of youth options, Tyler Morton stood out, while Salah and Sadio Mané were key additions to the front line.
Nonetheless, it was With a strike that made an otherwise quiet night totally unforgettable, it was world-class skill in midfield that finally made the difference. Thiago was brought in not for his goals, but for his ability to make a difference, and that was evident as his exquisite strike propelled Liverpool to a five-game winning streak.
As the game progressed, noticed the following six items.
Konaté is a valuable asset.
Ibrahima Konaté has only had a few opportunities to shine since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer, but he hasn't disappointed when called upon. He kept up the good work against Porto, putting on a confident performance.
His recovery speed, in particular, was on display. Early in the first half, with the visitors pouring on the pressure, he came back magnificently to deny Evanilson. He may have felt he should have scored from a corner sooner, but he finished his game.
Selecting a couple of excellent searching passes, as well as completing the primary brief with distinction.
For the time being, Konaté will have to wait to be guaranteed a starting spot – his nighttime partner, Jol Matip, ensures that. The Frenchman, on the other hand, showed that he can be a helpful alternative in games where defense speed is key. In terms of the future, he appears to be on pace to become a significant player at Anfield.
It's possible that Williams' future isn't in defense.
Neco Williams didn't have a bad time in defense, despite his Liverpool ties. Luis Daz put the Welsh international to the test at times. The 20-year-best old's work, however, came in the closing third of the pitch.
Williiams appeared at ease in advanced areas, thanks to his quick feet and deadly deliveries.
This is a valuable skill for anyone hoping to understudy Trent Alexander-Arnold, but it also raises the possibility that his future lies further up the field.
Klopp tried it out short against Preston in the Carabao Cup, and it paid off handsomely. Williams began his career as a winger in the youth teams before being moved to defense to gain more first-team opportunities. However, with the African Cup of Nations looming for Salah and Mané, necessity may force him back in the opposite direction.
Liverpool is a goal-scoring machine.
Salah had a quiet night overall, but he did score his trademark goal with the final kick before being replaced.
The strike was particularly significant because it was Liverpool's 16th consecutive game with two or more goals.
Since Wolves in 1939, no English side has accomplished this feat. It's a testament to Salah's brilliance, but it's also a credit to Klopp, who has changed the midfield balance this season, allowing those playing front of the defensive midfielder more freedom, and it's paid off. The defensive side still needs work in some areas, but Liverpool are attacking on all cylinders.
Salah has already scored 17 goals in 17 games this season, extending a season that has already surpassed his incredible rookie season at Anfield. Nonetheless, it is Thiago's goal that will be remembered the most.
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