PLAYER RATINGS: AC MILAN 1-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool went away to Milan with a much changed team and fought to a 2-1 win over the Serie A leaders. Milan took the lead through Tomori before Mohamed Salah replied. Divock Origi then directed a header home in the second half to give the Reds the lead and ultimately win his side the game. Read on for player ratings from the encounter.

Alisson – 7

Unlucky with the goal as Minamino failed to get anything on a corner at the near post. The ball then bounced right infront of Ali and he could only parry it into Tomori’s path. Redeemed himself with yet another brilliant one on one save after Kessie went through late on. His distribution was solid throughout.

Williams – 9

The Welsh international has come on in leaps and bounds this season and it was another accomplished performance. He combined really well with Salah down the right flank and swung in some dangerous crosses. His running pinned back Hernandez when most expected it to be the other way round. Pushed up to the right wing second half and enjoyed himself.

Phillips – 10

Looks completely unrecognisable from the raw centre back that made his PL debut against West Ham last season. His passing was incredible, pinging it long and playing passes through the lines. Owned Zlatan when the Swede got tired of being in Konaté’s pocket. One dragback in his own box to send Ibrahimovic and Kessie for hotdogs underlined the confidence he played with. Excellent understanding with Konaté in setting the line.

Konaté – 10

Completely owned Ibrahimovic tonight, with the veteran resorting to throwing Ibou around after the ball had gone out of okay. Showed all his potential tonight, front footed, quick, strong and with an appreciation for organisation. Loved it everytime he celebrated an offside call. Excellent display was highlighted by a crucial interception on Kessie in the box late on.

Tsimikas – 8

A typically industrious outing from the Greek. Didn’t give Messias a sniff as he outfought him at every turn. Shoulder barged Kessie and Milan went screaming for a pen. Always switched on defensively to runners in behind. Tired late on but didn’t shirk his responsibilities. His deliveries from open play were uncharacteristically poor. Nutmegged a few of them tonight.

Morton – 9

Faultless performance again from the youngster. Sat at the base of midfield and kept things ticking over. Never rushed, always in control and always knowing where his next pass is going before he even got on the ball. He has a lovely balance and passed this test with flying colours. Superb.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8.5

Worked his socks off all game. Started in midfield and run the inside right channel all game. Created our equaliser by skinning Kessie and stinging Maignan’s gloves with a fiercely struck shot that Salah tucked home on the rebound. Should have crowned a good performance with a goal late on when he went through, but the ball took a bobble right before he made connection. Ended the game as the false 9.

Minamino – 8

Another who was tireless throughout. Started in midfield and ended on the left wing after Mané went off. Worked so hard in pressing whenever we lost the ball. Neat and tidy in possession and tried his luck from range a few times. He will really endear himself to the manager with such workrate.

Salah – 8.5

Had Hernandez on toast throughout, effortlessly bringing the ball under control and finding passes with the Frenchman in close quarters. Netted his 20th of the season with volleyed finish off a rebound. Made it look simple but that was anything but. Combined well with Mané a few times before going off to applause from the San Siro.

Origi – 8.5

Played well and was the match winner for the second game running. He held the ball up really well, always managing to hold off Tomori. Dropped deep and got involved in play. Ran the channels and generally caused them a few problems. He didn’t always take the right option but he won the game with a deft header past the stranded Maignan after Mané’s shot. Headed another wide second half. Given a breather late on.

Mané – 8

His off the ball work goes under the radar at times but he gets through a huge load of work for his side. Selfless running all game to create space, make angles for a pass, and to bail out teammates. Forced the winner by capitalising on a loose touch by Tomori and forcing Maignan into a near post save which Origi finished off. Played in Origi after winning the ball back for another chance. Might not have scored but his manager knows his value.

Substitutes

Keita – N/A

Some loose touches that understandably showed rust. Should have gotten an assist after he played through Ox for that late chance. Good to have him back.

Gomez – N/A

Another who made a welcome return. He came on at right back and got into the swing of things immediately, exchanging a few passes with Williams down the right wing.

Fabinho – N/A

Came on late to shore things up. Went to sleep and got robbed of the ball by Kessie which led to a dangerous counter. Konaté luckily spared his blushes with the intervention.

Woltman – N/A

Debut for the club at the San Siro of all places. Not bad at all.

Bradley – N/A

Rewarded for his Carabao Cup performances with a late showing here alongside Woltman. Great night for the Academy.

Jurgen Klopp

Made 8 changes to his lineup and must have been impressed with the workrate and level of tenacity his side showed. Milan were forced into so many unforced errors they ended up looking a poor shadow of themselves. Six wins out of six. Group of death? What group of death? No injuries and minutes to squad members. Perfect night.