Liverpool ambled to an easy Champions League win over their Group A rivals Rangers. But how did the two starting XIs fare at Anfield? Ian Whittell is in charge of both teams.
Liverpool
Alisson Becker
A virtual spectator. His only job was to restart the game and give the odd pass, which he did without fuss. 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Perfect response to the recent criticism that has come his way with a stunning free kick. Defensively little to worry about. 7
Joel Matip
Big defender could play on autopilot, but still showed good concentration and a better combination with Van Dijk than lately. 7
Virgil van Dijk
Missed converting an Alexander-Arnold turn by inches and, with Rangers operating with just one man up front, never got tested on the other side. 7
Kostas Tsimikas
Could have done better with the ball as he appeared at the end of some promising attacks but failed to make the final pass. 6
Jordan Henderson
Absolutely sauntered through the evening and enjoyed passing the Rangers midfield to bring the four Liverpool forward into the game. 9
Thiago Alcantara
Tweak in Klopp’s formation saw veteran partner Henderson in midfield two, a pairing that had far too much know-how and passing ability for the opposition. 8
Mohamed Salah
Lively runs inside and outside the left-back proved problematic and, despite the presence of five defenders, always managed to find holes in the back. Earned his pen. 7
Diogo Jota
A somewhat unfamiliar role, central to three attacking midfielders, but worked to perfection while his move kept Rangers guessing and confused. Should have scored after an hour from 12 meters. 6
Luis Diaz
He got an early chance for himself by firing over from just outside the box and as Rangers had no answer for him, it was no surprise that he won a pin. 7
Darwin Nunez
Stung McGregor’s fingers with a vicious early shot, then he won the free kick that led to the opener. After that we had many chances, but couldn’t pass the keeper. 7
Rangers (5-4-1)
Allan McGregor
Could have done better with the free kick, but had a chance to make up for that. Fingertip save denied Salah and a one-handed reflex stop kept Nunez out again.7
James Tavernier
Fired a free kick straight into the wall, on a rare Rangers attack, and found Diaz too hot to tackle, as the winger often struck from the left. 5
Leon King
Enjoy taking on Nunez’s physicality. A couple of well-timed tackles were important, but cleared his notebook by conceding a penalty. 5
Connor Goldson
The mid-three half and trying to maintain order in the back, struggled to pick up Jota in particular. Still managed to make a few timely interceptions. 6
Ben Davies
Delivered a precious free-kick leading to the Reds opener as part of his ongoing banter with Nunez, one that the Liverpool man won on points. 5
Borna Barisic
Had his hands full with Salah down his left flank and was frankly outclassed by his trickery and pace. 5
Malik Tillman
Winger who soon got stuck following Tsimikas. The pace of work was adequate, but barely touched the ball on Liverpool territory. 5
Steven Davis
Another Rangers star who struggled with the mobility and cunning of Liverpool forwards, in his case Jota, who sank deep into the role of number 10. 5
John Lundstram
Was passed far too easily by Liverpool and showed his frustration by taking a yellow card for a foul on the tricky Jota. 5
Ryan Kent
Former Liverpool winger fired a shot well over the first half and rolled a second half cross, but they were rare glimpses of the ball on a night of defensive football for the visitors. 5
Alfred Morelos
Isolated only up front, the striker had a thankless job, chasing shadows and the ball as he tried to push the Liverpool defence. 4