Rangers were more than happy to help, providing the tiniest amount of Champions League opposition, as Jurgen Klopp needed something to ease the nerves and quiet the crowd around Liverpool.
Despite the fact that Liverpool was not in crisis, they have not been themselves, and even manager Klopp said during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Brighton at Anfield that he would have been experiencing the same feelings as fans angry about the decline in quality this season.
The 2-0 victory was just what Liverpool needed to go to the group stage, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is currently the subject of much discussion in English football, demonstrating his talent with a fantastic early free-kick to get them started.
With the game already over, Alexander-Arnold was given a standing ovation at Anfield. He had the same joy on his face as when he slammed that beautiful 25-yard shot past McGregor’s helpless stretch.
That aspect of Alexander-game, Arnold’s including his creativity, range of passing, and proficiency from set pieces that can be compared to the best, has never been contested.
His defensive skills are in doubt, and England manager Gareth Southgate undoubtedly has this opinion. The current controversy comes down to a simple matter of opinion, as Southgate believes Reece James of Chelsea, Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United, and Kyle Walker of Manchester City are better candidates to perform the task he desires.
There will be plenty who disagree. Everyone will concur. Southgate made the decision, and it looks that he did so. Nothing that we already knew was revealed to us by this game.
Alexander-contribution Arnold’s to this game will boost his self-esteem and confidence in the Liverpool setting, particularly following yet another subpar effort in the draw with Brighton.
Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz made created a highly effective 4-4-2 formation that Klopp tried to use to get Liverpool going.
Nunez received a standing ovation when he was substituted; nevertheless, he may not have done nearly enough to earn a Sunday starting spot at Arsenal. Even so, Klopp has great confidence in his significant summer acquisition.
If there was a source of annoyance for Klopp, it might be the fact that Salah’s second-half penalty and a miraculous free-kick were required to defeat opponents who were so obviously inferior. The clear class divide was not reflected in the final score.