Rio Ngumoha was the standout performer with a 9/10 rating as Liverpool came from two goals down to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday evening, maintaining their perfect Champions League record.
George Mikautadze and Sergi Cardona put the visitors in control before the half-hour mark, but Alexis Mac Allister and Ronald Araujo drew the Reds level by the break. Mac Allister added his second and substitute Florian Wirtz scored in the second half, with Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi grabbing a late consolation for Villarreal.
The victory means Andoni Iraola's side have now earned three successive wins in all competitions for the first time under the new head coach.
Defensive concerns and midfield resolve
Virgil van Dijk was rated 5/10 after an early mistake gifted Villarreal their opener, and he struggled to recover his usual composure for much of the first half. Ronald Araujo, deployed at right-back, lacked quality with his deliveries and looked uncomfortable, though he was in the right place to head the equaliser before being substituted.
Jeremy Jacquet had a shaky outing early on, struggling with an offside trap, but improved after the break. Kostas Tsimikas was erratic in the first half but settled after his corner delivery led to the first goal and was involved in the build-up to the fourth.
Ngumoha and Mac Allister lead the fightback
Alexis Mac Allister was rated 8/10, described as the one Liverpool player who appeared determined from the first whistle. He made solid challenges, scored a fine header for the opener, struck one shot narrowly wide, and both initiated and finished the third goal.
Rio Ngumoha's dangerous runs offered encouragement in the opening quarter and he persisted to provide the assist for Liverpool's second. He tormented the Villarreal defence down the right and produced brilliant work to set up the third before being substituted.
Trey Nyoni showed neat touches early on but had issues with the game's intensity before raising his level, demonstrating excellent distribution and composure. Ryan Gravenberch, playing in the number 10 role, made little meaningful contribution before the interval but was more prominent after moving to right-back.
Substitutes make an impact
Florian Wirtz, introduced at half-time for Araujo, delivered an excellent showing in the number 10 role, capped by a well-taken strike - his first goal of the season. Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Joe Gomez and James McConnell also came on, with McConnell earning more Champions League minutes.
Cody Gakpo tried to get Liverpool going down the left, winning the corner from which they scored their first goal, and assisted the fourth. Lewis Koumas was asked to plough a lone furrow for too long in the first half but kept the ball well and received more service after the break.
