Liverpool vs Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup: 5 talking points

#2. Roberto Firmino’s introduction

Roberto Firmino lunging for the ball to help Liverpool equalise

At the end of the first half, Liverpool were trailing by one goal and had struggled to find any cohesion between their midfield and attacking players. As a result, Jurgen Klopp introduced Roberto Firmino, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was unable to impose himself on the game.

The Brazilian made an instant impact as he picked up Fabinho’s overhead pass and poked the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga to his teammate Sadio Mané, who put the ball into an empty net at the start of the second half. Throughout the game, Firmino would drop deep and either receive balls in midfield or tussle with the opposition for the ball. He would then pass it forward for attacking players to cause some damage or drive the ball himself in order to start a counterattack.

He was instrumental in Liverpool’s second goal as he took Mané’s through ball and cut the ball back to the Senegalese, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net, giving Liverpool the lead in the 95th minute. Overall, his presence closed the gap between midfield and attack, giving Liverpool the freedom to press Chelsea high and break quickly once they received the ball.