Maribor vs Liverpool: 5 Talking Points

Liverpool demolished Maribor by seven goals, creating history in the process. Jürgen Klopp’s side became the first English side to win by a margin of more than five goals in an away game in the Champions League last night.

After a drab draw against Manchester United, Liverpool were expected to beat Maribor and pick up their first win of the group stage. Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah scored a brace while Philippe Coutinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Trent Alexander-Arnold got on the scoresheet as Liverpool complete their rout of the Slovenian side.

The win took Liverpool top of group E as Sevilla were surprisingly beaten by Spartak Moscow. Without further ado, let’s look at the main talking points from the game.

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#5 Early goals calm the Liverpool nerves

Bobby to the rescue!

Though it was only Maribor, Liverpool’s form in the last couple of weeks wasn’t the best, so the Reds took the game very seriously. Jürgen Klopp didn’t make too many changes either. James Milner and Trent Alexander-Arnold came in for Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez, while Loris Karius returned for his Cup duty.

A lot had been made of Liverpool’s attack failing to breach packed defence but a flowing move in the opening five minutes meant Roberto Firmino had an easy finish. From then on, it was smooth sailing as the pressure was lifted.

Liverpool’s tempo in the opening 15 minutes was incredible as they forced Maribor into making mistakes and they virtually sealed the game inside the first 20 minutes as they were three goals up.

#4 Maribor’s game-plan was ruined by their team’s poor passing

Tactical?

The most effective way to deal with Liverpool – as Jose Mourinho somewhat showed – is to play a low block and hit them on the counter. Maribor set up that way, but the early goal brought about panic stations and the team simply couldn’t recover.

While the midfield -- Kabha -- had a few moments where he picked a good pass, the strikers simply couldn’t hold the ball well.

Their defence was the biggest culprit, though, as they just couldn’t get past Liverpool’s high pressing. Centre-back, Marko Suler, had a game to forget as he played a hand in three of the goals they conceded and his passes were intercepted way too easily by the Liverpool midfield.

#3 James Milner impresses in midfield role

Back to his best position!

Jordan Henderson – despite all the criticism – has become an indispensable part of the team and in the last few seasons, the fans have experienced the same when he doesn’t play. Henderson’s pressing and distribution from the midfield are his key attributes, but last night, James Milner showed he can something more.

A player who has often been used in a variety of roles, Milner has everything to succeed in the deeper midfield role. His combination play with Coutinho and Salah was a treat to watch and where he superseded Henderson was with his ability to take on a player, dribble past him and put in a cross or two.

Granted, it was against Maribor, but he needs to see more game time as Henderson has been a bit off-colour this season.

#2 Salah and Firmino’s impact

Deadly duo!

Prior to the game, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were criticised for their end product. Liverpool have tried to play fluid football, and it’s not as if they haven’t created chances. It’s the finishing that needed improvement, and boy did they manage that against Maribor.

Mohamed Salah has been a real livewire on the right and if he can finish off moves like he did against Maribor, Liverpool have one hell of a player on their hands. Firmino was going through a dry spell and the two strikes will help his confidence as well.

While they took their chances well, what they did well was press the Maribor defence. Salah’s pace on the right was something the Slovenians couldn’t deal with and with Firmino’s movement in the box, it was just a question of how many.

8 - Mohamed Salah & Roberto Firmino have now both been directly involved in eight competitive goals for Liverpool this season. Pals pic.twitter.com/gvP6nMorYD

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 17, 2017

Klopp had the chance to take of their two key players and with a big game against Spurs coming up this weekend, Salah and Firmino will be fresh for the clash as they hardly broke a sweat.

#1 Results elsewhere in Group E made it a happy night for Liverpool

Group E to Liverpool?

Sevilla’s trip to Russia saw the Spaniards lose by a massive 5-1 scoreline which took everyone by surprise. The result now means Liverpool have a good chance of finishing as group leaders as all they need is to avoid a defeat to Sevilla away from home.

With winnable home games against Maribor and Spartak Moscow yet to be played, Jürgen Klopp’s side can now be assured of a place in the round of 16 where they might get a favourable draw.

After becoming the first English team to win in Maribor, Klopp’s side will hope they can carry the form they showed in Slovenia at the Wembley. It won’t be easy, as Spurs themselves managed a good result against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.