Liverpool player ratings: one scores 8/10, several 7/10s but three 5/10s in LASK win - gallery
Will Rooney
·4-min read
Luis Diaz of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between LASK and Liverpool FC on September 21, 2023 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool raised the curtain to their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 Group E victory over LASK at the Raiffeisen Arena.
However, the Reds were forced to come from behind for the fourth time in five matches in what is becoming a worrying early-season trend. Darwin Nunez bagged from the penalty spot in the second half before Luis Diaz tucked home the winner for Jurgen Klopp’s troops. Then Mo Salah came off the bench to seal all three points for the visitors.
Liverpool were left shellshocked as they fell behind for the fourth time in five games in the 14th minute. LASK pulled a corner back to Florian Flecker waiting on the edge of the box and he unleashed an unstoppable right-footed effort beyond Reds keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
No chance with LASK’s opening goal. Otherwise untested in the first half but distribution poor on a couple of occasions. Made one good stop to his left in the second period and an excellent save with his legs despite the offside flag subsequently being raised. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Reds tried to work their way back into the encounter and should have been level in the 36th minute. Virgil van Dijk headed a corner back across goal that found Nunez just yards from goal. However, the Uruguay international saw his effort saved by home keeper Tobias Lawal from point-blank range.
Just like in the 3-1 victory over Wolves last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side improved significantly in the second period. They were level in the 56th minute when Diaz won Liverpool a penalty and Nunez stepped up to fire home. Then Diaz would etch his name on the scoresheet in the 63rd minute when he latched on to Ryan Gravenberch’s cross and calmly finished.
Liverpool gained control of the game and would add a third with three minutes remaining when Salah, who was excellent during his substitute cameo, poked an effort through the legs of Lawal.
It was not a vintage performance from the Reds, although they’ll be pleased to have shown their battling attributes again to earn a fifth successive win in all competitions.
Set Nunez free early in the game but didn’t look entirely comfortable as a makeshift right-back and booked. Provided the cross that led to Liverpool’s penalty before being subbed in the 60th minute. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Made a half-hearted attempt to block a cross that would eventually lead to the corner for LASK’s opener. Shrugged off too easily on another occasion before being booked in the first half for dissent. Rusty after injury but was better in the second half. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Made a couple of important blocks in the first half and should have had an assist to his name. Solid after the break. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Put in some decent set-pieces really struggled in open play especially in the first half. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Didn’t offer enough protection in the first half and untidy on the ball at times. Subbed in the 60th minute. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Showed glimpses in the first half in possession but was out too slow to block the shot for LASK’s opener. Improved after the break and cross teed-up Diaz for Liverpool’s second goal. Then forced off with an injury following a marauding run in the 74th minute. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Appeared to be trying too hard in the first half, with his poor touch launching the attack for LASK’s opener. Made better decisions in the second half, notching the ‘second’ assist for Diaz’s goal.
Not enough quality from the Colombia international in the first half. Far better in the second period, though, winning the penalty and then bagging himself. (Photo: Christian Hofer/Getty Images)
Missed three chances in the first half - one being gilt-edged with the goal at his mercy. Kept his cool to equalise from the penalty spot, though, then displayed good hold-up play that would lead to Diaz’s goal. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Showed glimpses, putting several crosses that no-one could convert but didn’t look after the ball as well as he could on occasions. Subbed in the 60th minute. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Gave Liverpool more nous in the middle of the park.
Offered Liverpool far more guile and craft.
Added experience helped Liverpool gain additional control.
Electric after he came off the bench. Made so much happen and got a deserved goal.
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