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Arne Slot’s key decision against Qarabag proves Liverpool’s stars can finally play together
Liverpool were back to their best on Wednesday evening against Qarabag as Arne Slot's key decision proved his stars could play together
Arne Slot entered Anfield's bright lights under all sorts of pressure on Wednesday evening.
The Reds were as good as high and dry and Europe, but five games without a win in the Premier League had left questions over his job. And a potentially embarrassing loss against Qarabag might just have been the final nail in the coffin for his Anfield tenure.
However, Slot's assortment of shining stars were at their brilliant best - with Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah proving they can all play together as they hit Qarabag for six and cruised into the knockout rounds.
Slot sent out his team in a 4-2-3-1, with Ekitike leading the line, Salah out on the right, Wirtz in behind and Cody Gakpo on the left. And the free flowing front four ran rings around the Azerbaijani side.
However, Ekitike and Gakpo seemed to interchange, with the Frenchman even finding the net when he found himself on the left-wing.
It's encouraging for Liverpool fans, who might be hoping an injured Alexander Isak can integrate himself back into the side once he's back from injury - and catapult the Reds to the lofty heights of last season.
Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a corner to get the party started, needed the assistance of goalline technology. Wirtz had doubled the lead six minutes later before Salah curled the ball into the top corner.
Qarabag were out on their feet as Ekitike raced clear to add his name to the scoresheet. Mac Allister tapped in his second from almost on the goalline after a defensive shambles from the Azerbaijani side.
Federico Chiesa came off the bench to complete the rout with a simple finish from Virgil van Dijk's pass in the final moments.
The Reds have finished third in the Champions League league phase, with only Arsenal and Bayern Munich topping them.
Liverpool will be joined in the Round of 16 by Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City - with Newcastle having to navigate the playoff round.
Slot's next game will see them clash with the Magpies on Saturday evening.
Daily Star Sunday
Liverpool were back to their best on Wednesday evening against Qarabag as Arne Slot's key decision proved his stars could play together
Arne Slot entered Anfield's bright lights under all sorts of pressure on Wednesday evening.
The Reds were as good as high and dry and Europe, but five games without a win in the Premier League had left questions over his job. And a potentially embarrassing loss against Qarabag might just have been the final nail in the coffin for his Anfield tenure.
However, Slot's assortment of shining stars were at their brilliant best - with Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah proving they can all play together as they hit Qarabag for six and cruised into the knockout rounds.
Slot sent out his team in a 4-2-3-1, with Ekitike leading the line, Salah out on the right, Wirtz in behind and Cody Gakpo on the left. And the free flowing front four ran rings around the Azerbaijani side.
However, Ekitike and Gakpo seemed to interchange, with the Frenchman even finding the net when he found himself on the left-wing.
It's encouraging for Liverpool fans, who might be hoping an injured Alexander Isak can integrate himself back into the side once he's back from injury - and catapult the Reds to the lofty heights of last season.
Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a corner to get the party started, needed the assistance of goalline technology. Wirtz had doubled the lead six minutes later before Salah curled the ball into the top corner.
Qarabag were out on their feet as Ekitike raced clear to add his name to the scoresheet. Mac Allister tapped in his second from almost on the goalline after a defensive shambles from the Azerbaijani side.
Federico Chiesa came off the bench to complete the rout with a simple finish from Virgil van Dijk's pass in the final moments.
The Reds have finished third in the Champions League league phase, with only Arsenal and Bayern Munich topping them.
Liverpool will be joined in the Round of 16 by Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City - with Newcastle having to navigate the playoff round.
Slot's next game will see them clash with the Magpies on Saturday evening.
Daily Star Sunday