MARICLE WORKERS
Liverpool go goal crazy as they run up a record European away score
NEVER mind Hurricane Ophelia, it was a different type of devastation that Liverpool wreaked across Slovenia. The Reds seemed to take the storm that had battered northern England with them to Maribor as they blew their opponents apart in a recordbreaking display to breathe fresh life into their Champions League hopes. An incredible first-half performance had set the Reds on course to record their biggest-ever score away from home in Europe, surpassing 5-0 wins in Iceland in 1964 and at Ireland’s Crusaders in 1975. This was perhaps an even more impressive chapter in Liverpool’s glorious European history, though, because it was a level above victories over those part-timers, with Maribor seasoned Champions League performers. The Slovenians had held both Spurs and Chelsea here in their compact stadium in recent years, but they were no match for Jurgen Klopp’s dazzling team. Klopp was left a proud manager, especially after coming under increasing fire during a frustrating run of just one win in eight matches which had led to questions about his ability to win the big contests. Klopp had even joked before the game that a rather blunt questioner had made him “sound like a charismatic, funny loser.” Here in Slovenia, though, he rediscovered his winning touch...and with some venom. During their long, difficult run, the Reds had looked a side capable of taking opponents apart...if only they could finish with the same quality that infused the rest of their play. In the low-key setting of the Ljudski
Stadium, they did precisely that. In full flow, they are a joy to behold, with summer signing Mohamed Salah combining exquisitely with centre-forward Roberto Firmino as though their understanding had developed over years, not months. That was apparent in the opening moments which defined this contest. It was Salah who won a challenge with the hapless defender Marko Suler and sped into the box to find Firmino reading his intent perfectly to turn home for his first goal in six matches. Egyptian international Salah was withdrawn before the hour-mark but not before he had made a massive impression on the contest. It was his pass that allowed the impressive James Milner – given a surprise start ahead of skipper Jordan Henderson – to cross for Philippe Coutinho to volley home from 12 yards on 15 minutes. By then Liverpool were already rampant, with Firmino and Alberto Moreno going close to adding more, before Salah took centre stage again. First, he fed off the creativity of Firmino to finish with ease when through on the home keeper. Then, just before the interval, Moreno raced down the left and crossed, and Salah got there before Firmino to force the ball home. Maribor looked awful yet this is a team that had conceded just four goals in their previous 10 home games. Even Klopp said afterwards that it was Liverpool’s brilliance that made the home side look poor. Liverpool resisted the temptation to ease off after the break, even with a daunting trip to Wembley to face Spurs on the horizon. Coutinho flicked over a precise free-kick, and Firmino deftly guided it into the net with his head. The record finally came late in the contest, substitute Alex Oxladechamberlain adding his name to the score pads with a fine finish after he raced onto fellow sub Daniel Sturridge’s through-ball. And to give the scoreline a wonderful lustre, young defender Trent Alexander-arnold wrapped up the scoring with a firm, deflected drive in the final minute to make Europe sit up and take notice.