It wasn’t a happy return to the Champions League for Milan as they started with a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. However, they put up a fight in what was a thrilling encounter like almost any other meeting between the two sides.
Liverpool started the match very strongly and opened the scoring after just nine minutes after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot was deflected into the net by Fikayo Tomori. The Reds attacked ferociously and Milan were struggling to cope up. They conceded a penalty but Mike Maignan managed to foil Mohamed Salah.
The Rossoneri were on the back foot for most of the first half but rose to life during the final few minutes. Ante Rebic equalised before Brahim Diaz gave Milan a shocking lead just before half time.
Liverpool manage to level the scores through Salah before captain Jordan Henderson scored the winner through a right-footed shot.
It was quite an exciting fixture to watch and let’s see how the players from both sides fared in the game.
Liverpool XI
Alisson- 6
Could’ve done more to prevent Milan from scoring those two quick goals at the end of the first half. However, managed to do well during the second.
Trent Alexander-Arnold- 7
Ran up and down the right flank throughout the game. Had his shot deflected into Milan’s net by Tomori and was constantly an attacking threat with 14 crosses. In the second half though, Alexander-Arnold could’ve done better defensively but all-in-all, fairly good performance.
Joel Matip- 7
The centre-back was a constant offensive threat on set pieces and forced Maignan to make a couple of saves. Was pretty solid at the back and made some crucial interventions when needed.
Joe Gomez- 7
Made his first start for Liverpool and was up to the task on most occasions. He was caught out of position during Milan’s second goal but otherwise, a fine display. Gomez had 87 touches and made four interceptions throughout the match.
Andy Robertson- 7.5
Did well defensively while being a constant attacking threat through his tireless runs forward and crosses. Robertson made three key passes ad ten crosses while having 92 touches. He could’ve done better to prevent Milan’s second goal but was otherwise, very solid.
Fabinho- 7.5
Another fine display from the Brazilian in the middle of the park, proving why he is such an important cog in Liverpool’s machine. Was very solid defensively and had a passing accuracy of 88.7%.
Jordan Henderson- 8
Fabinho’s presence has often allowed the Liverpool captain to play a more advanced role in midfield and he did the same today. While Henderson did give the ball away a few times, he more than made up for it through his passes forward and of course, the brilliant goal to salvage three points for his team.
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 15, 2021
Naby Keita- 6
The Guinean international showed intent and seemed determined to do well but could not produce his finest performance. While Keita did have a passing accuracy of 95.5%, he should have done much better in the final third.
Mohamed Salah- 8
As always, a major attacking threat and gave the opposition defenders a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, he missed a penalty for the first time in nearly four years but made up for it by scoring the equalizer. Quite a fine outing on your 100th match at Anfield.
Divock Origi- 7
Had a chance to open the scoring for Liverpool but missed. However, he provided the assist for their equalizer in the second half.
Diogo Jota- 7
Was an attacking threat on a number of occasions but was also involved defensively as he tracked back to assist Robertson at times.
Liverpool Substitutes
Thiago- 6.5
Was solid in possession and managed a 100% passing accuracy during his 19 minutes on the pitch.
Sadio Mane 5.5
The Senegalese forward replaced Divock Origi just after the hour-mark but wasn’t involved much. Had a chance to score during injury-time but took too long to shoot.
Curtis Jones- 6
First appearance of the season for the youngster and he looked in good touch.
James Milner- N/A
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain- N/A
Milan XI
Mike Maignan- 7.5
Was troubled by the Liverpool attackers on numerous occasions but made some very good saves, most notably denying Salah from the penalty spot.
Davide Calabria- 6.5
Was often troubled by Jota but did a fine job. Had a decent game defensively, making seven tackles and three clearances.
Simon Kjaer- 7
Had a few shaky moments but was otherwise good at the back. Yes Milan conceded thrice but it could’ve been a lot more if not for Kjaer’s blocks. Also came close to scoring in the first half but Alisson manage to grab the ball.
Fikayo Tomori- 7
Don’t let the unfortunate own goal fool you, the former Chelsea man was quite solid for Milan on a number of occasions. Tomori made a number of vital blocks from Liverpool’s attackers, particularly during the start of the game. He also had a passing accuracy of 89.4%.
Theo Hernandez- 6.5
Was always looking to attack on the left flank and made two key passes. Defensively however, the Frenchman found it tough to cope with Salah and Alexander-Arnold.
Ismael Bennacer- 4.5
The Algerian had a pretty disappointing game and the opposition often got the better of him. Bennacer conceded a penalty and his attempt to defend a corner saw the ball reaching Henderson who found the net.
Franck Kessie- 6.5
The Ivorian worked hard all throughout the match like a typical box-to-box midfielder and had a fairly decent game for Milan.
Alexis Saelemakers- 6
The Belgian was quiet at the start of the game but later became more active. However, he could not really make an impact. Had a moment when he bothered Robertson a bit but that was pretty much it.
Brahim Diaz- 7
Had a shaky moment or two but was overall pretty good for Milan, scoring their second. Diaz could prove very vital for the Rossoneri as the season progresses.
Rafael Leao- 6.5
Was perhaps closest to troubling Liverpool at the time when Milan were kept on the back foot and also provided the assist for their equalizing goal. However, was an onlooker for a good period.
Ante Rebic- 7.5
Makes a fairly strong case for being called Milan’s best player of the match as he was heavily involved in the team’s attack. Looked dangerous on the counter and had moments when he troubled Liverpool. The Croatian forward netted Milan’s first and was heavily involved in their second as well.
Milan Substitutes
Alessandro Florenzi- 5.5
Seemed active on the pitch but very little impact on the team.
Olivier Giroud- 5.5
Only had eight touches after coming on and couldn’t do much.
Sandro Tonali- 6.5
Had a good few minutes on the pitch and also provided a key pass. No doubt there were eyebrows raised on his omission as starting him would’ve helped Milan.
Daniel Maldini- N/A