Liverpool are all but guaranteed a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase after defeating a lively Girona side for a professional 1-0 win in Spain on Tuesday night.
The Reds made it six victories from six in Europe under Arne Slot by overcoming a spirited effort from the battling La Liga outfit at the Estadi Montilivi.
Following a frantic back-and-forth first half, Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot after the hour mark for his 16th goal of the season across all competitions.
The hard-earned win means, ahead of Tuesday night’s 8pm kick-offs, there is an eight-point gap to ninth place with two matches still to play next month, at home to Lille and away to PSV.
Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players after they made it 18 games unbeaten across all competitions…
Liverpool player ratings vs Girona
Alisson – 9
On his first appearance since October 5, the fit-again No.1 had to make several important saves for a well-earned clean sheet. He denied Alejandro Frances, an offside-looking Bryan Gil, Miguel Gutierrez and Yaser Asprilla in the first half.
Then, just seconds into the second half, he thwarted Arnaut Danjuma. Wasn’t required as much after that but a fantastic return to the team for the Brazilian.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Called into action plenty of times at the back in the first 45 especially but dangerous on the ball throughout with some brilliant passes going forward. Forced two good saves at the end from a long-range free-kick and a shot from outside of the box.
Joe Gomez – 6
Denied a first ever Liverpool goal from an early corner but will be disappointed he didn’t ask more of the goalkeeper. More assured defensively than at Newcastle but still has further room for improvement. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
The least troubled of the Liverpool backline but will be unhappy Alisson was made to make as many saves as he was. Excellent on the ball, misplacing just two passes all game.
Andy Robertson – 6
Kept busy by Bryan Gil, on loan from Tottenham, and was guilty of leaving a Girona man onside for an early chance fluffed by Daley Blind but otherwise solid. Denied a second-half goal by Paulo Gazzaniga.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
A brilliant spin to set up an early Nunez chance and got forward more often than he has in the Premier League, producing another chance for Andy Robertson in the second half. Liverpool’s best outfielder.
Curtis Jones – 6
Not his most influential performance from a deeper role and couldn’t bring Liverpool the calm control of the game that they craved but still flashes of quality on the dribble.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Might’ve done better with a chance from a long Luis Diaz ball over the top after bursting in behind his man but did then feed Nunez for a chance which wasn’t converted. Again produced the match-defining contribution, making it 1-0 from the penalty spot by sending Gazzaniga the wrong way.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Not as effective with his end product as he could have been and disappointing in some of his duels but improved as the game wore on. Could’ve had an assist from one Nunez chance. Moved deeper when Harvey Elliott came on.
Luis Diaz – 6
Only on the fringes of the game in the first half on the left wing but then earned Liverpool a penalty after Donny van de Beek trod on the back of his boot. Still, not quite at his dynamic best, even after being moved centrally. Booked.
Darwin Nunez – 4
Another frustrating evening in which he wasted too many goalscoring opportunities once again. Should’ve scored from a slid Mohamed Salah through ball in particular. Looks desperately short of confidence.
Substitutes
Cody Gakpo – 6
On for Nunez on 71 minutes. One nice counter-attacking run eased the pressure late on.
Harvey Elliott – 6
On for Jones on 76 minutes. A nice busy run-out for the Englishman.
Wataru Endo – N/A
On for Diaz on 88 minutes. Helped see out victory.
