Liverpool improved their defensive performance and beat Inter Milan at San Siro, boosting their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League. The Reds were hurt but helped by VAR on a night when Dominik Szoboszlai converted the winning penalty with just two minutes remaining in Italy, a controversial decision. With this win, Liverpool moved up to 8th place in the table and will now face Marseille away and Qarabag at home. They have a very real chance of avoiding the knockout playoffs.
Ibrahima Konate thought he had given Liverpool a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute, but after a five-minute VAR check, the goal was chalked away by referee Felix Zweier for clearly unintentional handball. Virgil van Dijk headed the ball into Ekitike’s arm from close range, but the Reds still had a goal disallowed. However, Zweier then sided with Liverpool with a clear foul on substitute Florian Wirths, while Szoboszlai took on penalty duty in Mohamed Salah’s absence to secure a big three points.
Express Sport reviews Arne Slot’s side and rates…
Liverpool vs Inter Milan player ratings
Alison – 7
He didn’t have to make a save until four minutes into first-half stoppage time, but he produced a great stop shortly after to deny Lautaro Martinez a goal. That save was crucial and he was really good at targeting crosses.
Joe Gomez – 6
A great cross into the box in the first half was an anomaly, and despite their solid defense, they were otherwise disappointing. However, they pressed well high up the pitch.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
His close-range header caused a controversial goal, but the Frenchman finally made no mistake and scored after 90 minutes. He admitted it wasn’t necessary, unless you count a corner kick (but that just led to a shot on target!)
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Martínez missed a header, but was otherwise close to his best, typically strong both in the air and on the ball. The long-awaited key to a clean sheet.
Andy Robertson – 6
Early on, at the end of a hard tackle by Lautaro Martinez. Alessandro Bastoni almost slotted a nice cross into his own goal in the second half, but otherwise his final product was inconsistent.
Ryan Gravenbirch – 8
He had excellent possession both inside and outside, especially before half-time when he switched back in defence, intelligently tracking back to deny Marcus Thuram a chance at the back post. There are also some really important contributions.
Curtis Jones – 7
He’s very active in possession and should start every game if he’s in good form. His excellent dribbling forced a good save from Jan Sommer. I made a reservation.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
A few moments where he clearly lacked leg strength and a late pass he hit out of play from a promising position summed up his season. Martinez’s shot at the same time was also well blocked.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
Typically hardworking off the ball. Although he was everywhere on the pitch, it was his corner kick that led to the canceled goal. The pressure penalty worked very well in Salah’s absence.
Alexander Isaac – 5
He didn’t play much in the first 45 games, and his only shot went wide early in the second half, forcing him to come off the bench early. Liverpool need to work on getting him on the ball more.
Hugo Ekitike – 6
There was also a moment of great footwork and a very harsh penalty for a handball in front of Konate’s goal who tried to make things happen but was disallowed. Although we never really tested Sommer, his flick created a chance for Conor Bradley. I made a reservation.
substitute
Connor Bradley (Gomez 68) – 7
Immediately after entering the game, his superb control and passing almost led to a goal. It was a great chance to score, but the shot went straight to Sommer. He really added dynamism to Liverpool’s attack. He will be suspended for this weekend’s game against Brighton and will be a big miss.
Florian Wirtz (Isaac 68) – 6
He could have given Ekitike a better pass in one attack and wasted a decent shot opportunity. Bastoni won a controversial penalty for pulling his shirt.
