Mohamed Salah came on after 67 minutes to score two and help Liverpool see off Stoke City in comfortable fashion. Mohamed Salah came on after 67 minutes to score two and help Liverpool see off Stoke City in comfortable fashion.
Mohamed Salah came off the bench and scored twice to ensure Liverpool avoided another late collapse after being pegged back by Sevilla and Chelsea in the last week.
Sadio Mane's first half strike had Liverpool ahead, but Stoke City had been knocking on the door in the second half until Salah slammed it shut for a 3-0 victory.
Positives
Three points and a clean sheet are always positives regardless of how they are achieved. Liverpool were not at their absolute best, but such is the firepower they possess that they can regularly hit three or four goals even without hitting top gear. The key is always what they do defensively, and barring one or two uncomfortable moments they were pretty solid in this one.
Negatives
Things could have been very different had the referee had not been so lenient when Simon Mignolet mistimed a tackle on Mama Diouf on the edge of the box. On another night the Belgian would have seen red. It was clumsy and unnecessary and he could easily have cost his side the win.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Once again Jurgen Klopp shuffled his pack to ensure his team were fresh and his selection was vindicated with a win. When things began to get a little bit nervy in the second half he introduced Salah and James Milner and that immediately allowed his team to regain control of the game. A good night for the German.
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Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Simon Mignolet, 5 -- Fortunate to escape a red card and could easily have been beaten in stoppage time when he parried a shot straight to Diouf who struck the crossbar. Generally strong with crosses but did miss one corner that was met by a Stoke player, who thankfully could not direct his header.
DF Joe Gomez, 7 -- Strong performance at both ends of the pitch from the talented youngster. Played a crucial role in the first goal with an overlapping run and cross, while defensively he was confident and composed.
DF Joel Matip, 7 -- It's never easy when you're charged with competing with Peter Crouch for high balls, but Matip held his own and provided a calming presence throughout.
DF Dejan Lovren, 7 -- Struggling with injury, he would not have played if Ragnar Klavan had not been taken ill. Did what he had to do without any fuss or drama.
DF Alberto Moreno, 7 -- Kept the dangerous Xherdan Shaqiri quiet for the most part, with one first half recovery tackle a real highlight. Did appear to lose concentration a couple of times in the space of a few seconds, which twice allowed Shaqiri in behind him, but overall it was another strong performance from the Spaniard.
MF Emre Can, 6 -- Steady enough display from Can, whose aerial presence certainly helps against such tall opponents. Picked up a needless booking when he sloppily lost possession and then hauled back Shaqiri, but that was a rare uncomfortable moment in an otherwise straightforward evening.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 6 -- Provided plenty of energy in the middle, but was occasionally too cautious with his passing. Might have gotten on the scoresheet had his shot on the turn not struck a defender on its way towards the far corner.
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 7 -- Played an important part in the opening goal and was a lively presence throughout until being replaced by Milner. Provided good defensive support for Gomez and could have scored with a snapshot that was saved by Stoke keeper Lee Grant. Booked for an altercation with a Stoke defender and was substituted almost immediately after.
MF Sadio Mane, 8 -- Opened the scoring with a deft finish over the keeper but then wasted a great chance to make it 2-0 when he shot against the post. Seemed to be ambling through the second half until Salah was introduced, at which point he burst into life again and brilliantly created a goal for the Egyptian.
FW Roberto Firmino, 7 -- Another good, selfless performance and the restraint shown to not steal Mane's goal by applying the finishing touch as it crossed the line shows just what a great team man he is. Most centre-forwards would have had no qualms about smashing that in and adding to their tally.
FW Dominic Solanke, 8 -- Showed impressive vision and technique in finding Mane for the opener, and could have scored himself soon after linking well with Firmino. Sent Mane clear again just before half-time with a fine pass and he looks like he will be a useful weapon as the fixtures come thick and fast.
Mohamed Salah lifted Liverpool with goals in the 77th and 83rd minutes.
Substitutes
FW Mohamed Salah, 9 -- From the moment he stepped onto the pitch it felt as though he'd do something decisive, and he did. Twice. His first goal was a brilliant volley, his second was a direct result of the fear and panic he strikes into those tasked with trying to mark him.
MF James Milner, 6 -- Heavily involved in the limited time he had on the field.
MF Jordan Henderson, NR -- Sent on for the closing minutes to allow Mane to milk the applause from the away end.
Dave Usher is one of ESPN's Liverpool bloggers and the founder of LFC fanzine and website The Liverpool Way. Follow him on Twitter: @theliverpoolway.
Source: espn.co.uk