EINTRACHT FRANKFURT 1-5 LIVERPOOL: Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai ensured the Reds claimed three points in the Champions League
Liverpool put an emphatic end to their losing streak with a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Arne Slot's side came from a goal down to secure a comfortable victory, with Mohamed Salah left on the bench until the 78th minute.
The Reds suffered from a slow start in front of a raucous Frankfurt crowd, but had started to show some rhythm before a smart counter-attack from the home side. Former Leeds Rasmus Kristensen fired a shot through the legs of Andy Robertson to send his team into the lead.
It was a player in familiar territory who responded best for Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike only departed Frankfurt in the summer but was back to haunt his former side with a cool finish on the break to even up the scores after 35 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk soon rose highest from a corner to claim a free header into the net at the front post after 39 minutes. Liverpool's corner threat didn't end there as Ibrahima Konate attacked the same spot from the opposite side to score the Reds' third five minutes later.
Cody Gakpo got in on the act after 65 minutes as he offered a simple finish to a well-timed Florian Wirtz pass across the box. Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goal of the night four minutes later with a low shot from 20 yards.
Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points to emerge from the win.
No Salah
It is not the first time Salah has been rested for the Champions League, but with the Egyptian struggling and the Reds in search of a win, the decision felt more pertinent. That feeling only increased when Slot did not look to Salah when he replaced Alexander Isak at the break, instead opting for Federico Chiesa.
"I would read more into it if he is not starting on Saturday against Brentford," suggested Steve McManaman. "It's important Hugo Ekitike plays because he has been a bright spark. Liverpool should win tonight all being well. It will be a huge statement on Saturday if he [Salah] doesn't play."
Scrutiny over Salah's position will only increase until he looks more like the player who dominated last season.
Ekitike must start
Hugo Ekitike's effort against Frankfurt made a mockery of the decision to place him among the substitutes in Liverpool's previous two matches against Manchester United and Chelsea. While many of his team-mates are struggling to find their way this season, the Frenchman has settled with ease.
"What we need to try today is to create as many chances as the last few weeks, because that is very helpful that we two players who can score," Slot told TNT Sports of the decision to start Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
There were few opportunities before the 23-year-old scored his goal and proved his clinical value once again. Ekitike outshone Isak once again as the Reds' attacking play still failed to hit its best until after half-time.
Liverpool's full-backs
While Andy Robertson's silky pass for Ekitike reminded Slot of his capabilities, the boss has been left with another blow to his plans. Jeremy Frimpong's injury means the Dutchman will be forced to use the impressive Conor Bradley while Frimpong is out or return to Dominik Szoboszlai to provide cover.
It appeared that Frimpong suffered a hamstring issue, meaning Slot will be unable to plan his best rotation once again this season.
Milos Kerkez may have a fight on his hands in order to return to the side over Robertson when the Reds travel to Brentford this weekend. It may be an opportunity for the ex-Bournemouth man to show his attacking qualities, but Slot will have been afforded pause for thought by Robertson.
Defensive issues
Liverpool may have scored more than the opposition on Tuesday night, but the side's defensive qualities are a far cry from 12 months ago. That will be little surprise to anyone taking note of the club's summer transfer business but there will nevertheless be concern.
Last year, Slot's men claimed five clean sheets in eight Champions League league phase matches. Liverpool have managed none in their first three outings this term.
Liverpool have also kept just two clean sheets in their last 18 games in all competitions. In that time, they have conceded 28 goals. With such a record, Anfield's attacking riches need to find the net more than they have been.
Isak substitution
With the floodgates looking like they were about to open before half-time, it was surprising to see Isak make way at the break. There may be questions over the Swede's fitness, but there is no doubting the British record signing needs goals to build his confidence after an indifferent start.
The forward was not too involved in the first 45 minutes, and it may just be a case of refreshing the striker ahead of the weekend, but it was not a reassuring move.