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#3 Klopp gives Liverpool's fringe players a chance to impress
Last week against Ajax, Jurgen Klopp showcased his intentions of preserving his first-choice strike force of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah for the Premier League by taking off the Liverpool trio in one go just at the hour mark.
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Against Midtjylland, he drove home the point once again, with neither of Liverpool’s regular front three in the starting lineup. Their places were taken by Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino, with Xherdan Shaqiri also getting a game in midfield.
While Jota has been featuring regularly in the Premier League since his move from Wolves, Minamino, Origi,and Shaqiri have found game-time quite difficult to come by. As such, this game was an excellent opportunity for them to stake a claim for a more regular role in the playing eleven.
The lack of game-time was fairly evident, especially against a resolute defensive unit, as the Reds failed to create any opportunities of note in the first half. Disappointing showings from Origi and Minamino were brought to an end on the hour mark, with the duo replaced by Mane and Salah respectively.
Shaqiri, who played a crucial role in Liverpool’s opener, provided a timely reminder of the quality he has to offer. But based on his showing against the Danish visitors, it is unlikely that Klopp will be thinking of replacing his frontline attackers anytime soon.
#4 Liverpool take the early advantage in Group D; Midtjylland are rock-bottom
Despite not being at their fluent best in their opener against Ajax or against Midtjylland, Liverpool find themselves top of Group D with two wins out of two.
With Ajax and Atalanta playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the group’s other game, the Reds open up an early two-point lead over the Italian side, who had won their opening game 4-0.
Ajax, who suffered a defeat at the hands of Liverpool last week, registered their first points of the campaign with their draw in Italy to take up third place while Midtjylland were condemned to their second straight loss in the group.
The top two in Group D now face off in an entertaining double header in the next two gameweeks that could be crucial in deciding the final group standings. Ajax and Midtjylland will strive to take advantage of a possible slip-up from either Liverpool or Atalanta.
#5 Liverpool score their 10,000th goal
Before taking the field against Midtjylland, Liverpool were no doubt aware that they were on the verge of creating history as their next goal would be the 10,000th in the club’s proud history.
The honour fell to summer signing Jota, whose tap-in in the 55th minute helped Liverpool reach the magical 10,000 mark.
The landmark strike came just over 128 years after Jock Smith registered the Reds’ first-ever goal back in September 1892.
As a result, Jota secured himself a place in Liverpool’s history books fairly early into his stint with the Reds. He will look to feature in many more memorable moments in the famous red shirt going forward.
