Talking points from Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Bologna

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Bologna at Anfield continued Arne Slot’s perfect start in Europe after replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summer.

The win saw Slot become the first Liverpool manager to register eight victories in his first nine games in charge of the club.

Mo Salah broke another club record, becoming the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive Champions League games at Anfield with a stunning strike in the 75th minute to put the game to bed.

Salah’s 49^th career Champions League goal also puts him as the top African goal scorer in the competition’s history, ahead of Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o.

Not surprisingly, all the talk was about the Egyptian striker afterwards but Mersey Sport Live was at Anfield to pull out a few more talking points >>>

1. Alexis Mac Allister can do it all

Arguably Liverpool’s best piece of business for £35 million since winning the Premier League. The World Cup winning midfielder has shown some brilliant long-range strikes, but his clever movement was key in putting the Reds ahead in the first half from close range.

2. Mo Salah creates and delivers

The forward who has played the most minutes under Arne Slot, is already on five assists this season and was on hand to tee up Mac Allister for the opener. It is safe to say it is time for that contract extension in January. The 32-year-old has proven time and time again that his creativity is his most underrated asset. His clever passes know no limit when it comes to helping his teammates score.

3. Darwin Nunez fails to make a statement

It was another frustrating night for the Uruguayan who missed out on Saturday against Wolves due to illness. His failure to make a statement means there is still progress to be made. The striker missed similar chances under former manager Jurgen Klopp, which cost Liverpool in the title race last season.

4. Alisson to the rescue

Bologna had more shots in total than Liverpool, but the Brazillian did well to keep the more dangerous ones out from Kackper Urbanski and Riccardo Orsollini. There were a couple of shaky moments, when Liverpool were playing out from the back, but a solid defensive performance resulted in a clean sheet.

5. Staying close to your man

Bologna’s high press seemed to cause the hosts issues at the end of the second-half as they got stuck in their own half. This game showed glimpses of Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Atalanta which saw their exit in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Lucky for Liverpool, Bologna were less effective than Atalanta. Liverpool have struggled in such circumstances before, although no doubt Arne Slot will be happy with the win.