Future’s orange as Reds smash a record seven

LIVERPOOL got their Champions League campaign up and running in Slovenia with a record-breaking European victory that sent them soaring to the top of Group E in breathtaking style.

Manager Jurgen Klopp had cut a frustrated figure in their first two group games against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow as his side frittered away a string of chances to leave them with just two points.

But his players responded to his call to show a cutting edge in front of goal as they simply destroyed Maribor with some clinical finishing to notch up their best away win in Europe.

Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino both grabbed two goals apiece, Philippe Coutinho was on target for the fourth time in as many away games, substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored his first in a Reds shirt – or orange at least – and Trent AlexanderArnold fired the magnificent seventh.

If the colour of Liverpool’s bright orange kit, officially known as ‘bold citrus’, is slightly questionable, you could not say the same about their football as they simply ran riot.

Suddenly the future looks bright for Klopp’s men in Europe with their orange kits, to paraphrase the slogan of the old phone company. And after a goalless clash with Manchester United on Saturday following 1-1 draws with Spartak Moscow and Newcastle where chances were squandered, this was impressively efficient.

Liverpool were in front after just four minutes when Salah pounced on a sloppy pass from Mitja Viler and raced into the area before crossing for Firmino to tap in.

The Brazil ace forgot his ID and had to make a dash back to the bus to get into the stadium before the game but the hosts were well aware of him now.

The second followed nine minutes later with Salah involved again as this time he pushed a ball out to the recalled James Milner.

The midfielder’s cross was met perfectly on the volley by Coutinho.

Milner was impressing in midfield after getting a surprise start as Klopp rested skipper Jordan Henderson and opted for the former Manchester City man rather than £35million summer signing Oxlade-Chamberlain. The