Liverpool comfortably saw off bitter rivals Manchester United 2-0 at a ferociously passionate Anfield in their Europa League last 16 tie.
Daniel Sturridge’s first-half penalty saw the Reds take the lead after Memphis Depay fouled Nathaniel Clyne while United were indebted to goalkeeper David De Gea who made a string of saves to keep their host at bay.
But Jurgen Klopp’s side doubled their advantage in the second half through Roberto Firmino’s close-range finish as the Reds head into next week’s return leg at Old Trafford in pole position to reach the quarter finals.
Here were the main talking points from a memorable European night at Anfield…
Lallana embodies Klopp’s Liverpool
Adam Lallana appears to have finally found a niche in the Liverpool first team, and he is beginning to show the steel needed to perform consistently.
Full of energy all night, he closed the United defence down and forced a succession of errors from them. He also showed a real willingness to help out in the physical exchanges too, twice clashing with for one-time Everton attacker Marouane Fellaini, and not giving an inch.
His assist for Liverpool’s second goal summed up the player he is developing into- invention to create space, determination to capitalise on Michael Carrick’s error and a simple pass for Roberto Firmino.
Emre: Cool, Can and collected
Much like Lallana, Emre Can has also settled into this team as an effective midfield anchor, as an ideal offset to the creativity in front of him.
He operated as the deepest lying midfielder, protecting Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren and provided a platform for an high octane Liverpool performance.
He successfully nulified the aerial threat of Fellaini and filled in wherever he was needed as Liverpool pushed forward, regularly covering as a temporary full back.
Firmino continues to flourish in support role
Roberto Firmino thrived in the space afforded to him by both the United defence and his recent tactical shift.
The Brazilian has recently demonstrated his suitability to playing a supporting role to either Divock Origi or Daniel Sturridge, and tonight again he flourished in the space created by Sturridge.
With eight goals and four assists in his last 13 appearances, playing in a free role and working in tandem with Lallana, Firmino, like many of his teammates under Klopp, is in the best form of his Liverpool career.
Case for Moreno’s defence needs work
Alberto Moreno has firmly established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, making 39 appearances so far this campaign, but he was given a real test by the United attack.
In a game punctuated by strong challenges, he was keen to get himself in the centre of the early action, a little too rashly at times.
The Spaniard was fortunate not to pick up a booking for first half fouls on Guillermo Varela and Morgan Schneiderlin, while the pace of teenager Marcus Rashford also troubled him in the early stages.
He does however deserve credit for an improved second half display, and one particular timely intervention on Memphis Depay on 60 minutes, but his defensive work still needs some tuning.