Liverpool ensured Xabi Alonso’s emotional return to Anfield was an unpleasant one after thrashing Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the Champions League.
The fireworks in the distance lit up the sky at Anfield on Bonfire Night, but there was little to speak of in a tightly-contested first half. Leverkusen were the better side in the first half and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong saw his effort correctly struck off by referee Danny Makkelie after handling the ball in the build-up.
The hosts improved after the half-time break and, spurred on by the raucous Kop end, Luis Diaz’s sublime lob put them in front on the hour. Cody Gakpo doubled their advantage only two minutes later and Diaz scored twice late on to complete his hat-trick on a famous night at Anfield.
Here is how Express Sport assessed Liverpool’s performance with player ratings against Leverkusen.
Caoimhin Kelleher 7/10
Made a couple of confident claims and generally assured in everything he was asked to do. A clean sheet will be a nice boost for his confidence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
Wearing his special edition David Beckham boots, Alexander-Arnold didn’t quite have the technique to follow the England legend with his free-kick on 27 minutes. Fortunately, his passing through the lines is another weapon Liverpool can use as he played a role in both goals. Earned a standing ovation when rested late on.
Ibrahima Konate 7
Fit enough to start, the Frenchman’s presence was vital as he stepped in to make some important interventions against Alex Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Nowhere to be seen for the disallowed Frimpong goal and then had a penalty shout against him waved away. His unusually shaky display spoke of the uncertainty amongst the Liverpool backline in the first half, but their domination meant he was rarely tested afterwards.
Kostas Tsimikas 6
Looked a bit nervy starting ahead of Andy Robertson and was relieved to see Frimpong’s effort ruled out for handball after making a mess of his clearance.
Curtis Jones 8
One of the brighter presences in the No 10 role as he tried to conjure up chances for Salah and Diaz. His fantastic pass into Diaz split the Leverkusen defence in half and broke the deadlock. Jones’ importance in this team continues to grow and he earned a well-deserved rest.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Struggled to stay close to Wirtz and the Dutchman gave the ball away on a number of occasions, with the audible groans coming from the home crowd. Took it upon himself to dictate the play in the second half and that buoyed on the crowd.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
The Argentinian hasn’t had many evenings as quiet as this, struggling to impose himself on the ball and looking a yard short of the play. Slot clearly told him to play further forward after the interval and he made a huge improvement.
Mohamed Salah 8
A quiet first half for the Egyptian as most of Liverpool’s play came down the left. Had one half-chance to open the scoring after getting the better of Grimaldo but couldn’t find the power. Fluffed his lines with another golden opportunity after the break. But his deliveries for Gakpo and Diaz were inch-perfect.
Luis Diaz 9 (Man of the Match)
The Colombian hustled and bustled as a makeshift No 9 and won some fouls in key positions. Also gave some away himself and fortunate not to get booked. But his moment of magic, lobbing Hradecky with a delicate chip, was quite simply world-class. Then he added a second after showing his strength to shrug off Jonas Hofmann at the far post and tapped home a third. An electric display.
Cody Gakpo 7
Starting from the left flank, the Dutchman faced a familiar foe in his compatriot Jeremie Frimpong and was given little room to impress. But in the second half, he escaped his fellow Dutchman to power home a header at the far post.
Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai (on 74′) 6
The Hungarian was given licence to roam but didn’t get much of the ball.
Darwin Nunez (on 80′) N/A
Andy Robertson (on 80′) N/A
Connor Bradley (on 80′) N/A
Jarell Quansah (on 88′) N/A
