Eintracht Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool: Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Kodi Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai gave the Reds three points in the Champions League.
Liverpool ended their losing streak with a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Arne Slott’s team came back from a goal down to secure a comfortable victory, with Mohamed Salah left on the bench until the 78th minute.
The Reds struggled to get off to a slow start in front of a raucous Frankfurt crowd, but were beginning to show some rhythm before some clever counter-attacks from the home side. Former Leeds player Rasmus Christensen put his side into the lead with a shot past Andy Robertson.
For Liverpool, the players who responded best were those in familiar territory. Hugo Ekitike, who had only left Frankfurt in the summer, returned to his old club at half-time and leveled the score after 35 minutes with a composed finish.
Immediately Virgil van Dijk rose highest from a corner kick and after 39 minutes sent a free header into the back of the net. Liverpool’s corner threat didn’t end there, and five minutes later Ibrahima Konate scored the Reds’ third goal with an attack from the opposite flank in the same spot.
In the 65th minute, Kodi Gakpo entered the game and simply finished off Florian Wirtz’s well-timed pass across the box. Four minutes later, Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goal of the night with a low shot from 20 yards.
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Mirror Football looks at the talking points to emerge victorious.
no salah
This is not the first time Salah has been rested for the Champions League, but the decision felt all the more justified given the Egyptian’s struggles and the Reds’ need for a win. That feeling was further heightened when Slott turned a blind eye to Salah for Alexander Isak in stoppage time, opting for Federico Chiesa instead.
Manager Steve McManaman suggested: “If he doesn’t start against Brentford on Saturday, I’ll take a closer look.” “It’s important that Hugo Ekitike plays, because he’s flashing. If everything goes well, Liverpool should win tonight. If he (Salah) doesn’t play, it will be a big statement on Saturday.”
The scrutiny of Salah’s position will only increase until he looks more like the player who dominated last season.
Equitique must begin
Hugo Ekitike’s performance against Frankfurt made a mockery of Liverpool’s decision to include him as a substitute in their last two matches against Manchester United and Chelsea. While many of his teammates have struggled to find their way this season, the Frenchman has settled in effortlessly.
“What we have to try today is to create as many chances as we have in recent weeks, because it helps a lot if both of our players can score,” Slott told TNT Sports about the decision to start Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
There were very few chances before the 23-year-old scored and once again proved his clinical value. With the Reds’ attacking play still not at its best until after half-time, Ekitike was once again outclassed by Isaac.
liverpool full back
Andy Robertson’s fluid pass to Ekitike reminded Slot of his ability, but left a further blow to the manager’s plans. Jeremy Frimpong’s injury means the Dutchman will be forced to use the impressive Conor Bradley or return to Dominik Szoboszlai to provide cover while Frimpong is absent.
Frimpong appears to be suffering from a hamstring issue, meaning Slott will not be able to plan his best rotation this season.
Milos Kerkes could be fighting to get back into the squad above Robertson when the Reds travel to Brentford this weekend. It could be an opportunity for the former Bournemouth man to show off his attacking qualities, but Robertson will give Slott some time to think.
defensive issues
Liverpool may have scored more goals than their opponents on Tuesday night, but the quality of the team’s defense is vastly different than it was 12 months ago. That won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone following the club’s summer transfer business, but it’s still a concern.
Last year, Slott’s team kept five clean sheets in eight matches in the league phase of the Champions League. Liverpool have failed to do anything in the first three games of the season.
Liverpool have also kept just two clean sheets in their last 18 matches in all competitions. During that time, they have conceded 28 goals. Anfield’s attacking line-up, which boasts such a proven track record, needs to find the back of the net more than ever.
replacement of isaac
It was surprising to see Isak give way at half-time as the floodgates looked like they were going to open before half-time. There may be doubts about the Swede’s fitness, but there is no doubt that the British record signing needs a goal to boost his confidence after an indifferent start.
The forward wasn’t very involved in the first 45 minutes and while it may have just been to freshen up the striker for the weekend, it wasn’t an encouraging move.
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