Liverpool took a huge step towards topping the Champions League group phase after triumphing 2-1 against in-form French club Lille at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for the Reds with a trademark finish in the first half, breaking away from the defence after being slotted through superbly by Curtis Jones.
Lille, who were reduced to 10 men after Aissa Mandi was shown a second yellow card for his late challenge on Luis Diaz, grabbed a shock equaliser just past the hour mark, restoring hope for the French side who had gone 21 games unbeaten heading into the clash on Merseyside.
But thanks to a slice of good fortune, Harvey Elliott's deflected shot from distance just five minutes later put Liverpool back in front, taking their Champions League points tally to 21 following seven matches in the group phase.
Arne Slot's side were not quite confirmed as group stage winners after Barcelona, who went into the night in second place, pulled off an incredible turnaround to win 5-4 draw against Benfica, keeping their gap to three points.
Mail Sport's AADAM PATEL was at Anfield to give his verdict on each Liverpool player's performance.
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker (6)
Had an early scare when Gabriel Gudmundsson rifled the side netting but didn’t need to make a save in the first half. Could do nothing to stop Jonathan David’s equaliser.
Conor Bradley (6.5)
One of four Liverpool changes made by Arne Slot and played well, dealing comfortably with Remy Cabella down Lille’s left flank. His stock continues to grow. Replaced for Trent Alexander-Arnold late on.
Jarell Quansah (6.5)
Came in for Ibrahima Konate to make his first Champions League start and was impressive - had more touches on the night than anyone else. Should have scored too but missed a sitter.
Virgil van Dijk (7)
Hardly put a foot wrong and regularly tried to go long to get in behind the Lille backline. Will be fuming with the way his side conceded but it was the first time Liverpool conceded in Europe since September.
Kostas Tsimikas (7)
Did superbly for Salah’s goal, nicking the ball off David. Unlucky not to get an assist too because his crossing was on point but should have done better defensively in the build up to Lille’s leveller.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6)
Put in a shift before he was replaced by Wataru Endo just after the hour mark as Slot looked to rest all of his midfielders, with all three starters taken off by the 63rd minute.
Ryan Gravenberch (6.5)
Surprisingly not rested from the outset but after a fairly comfortable 45 minutes, was replaced by Harvey Elliott at the break. Started every league and European game this season.
Curtis Jones (7.5)
Came in for Alexis Mac Allister and made his mark with a lovely through ball for Salah’s opener, before he went down injured just before half-time. Replaced by Mac Allister at the break.
Mohamed Salah (8)
Felt like he was half a yard off in the early stages but the way he took his goal shows you can never count Mohamed Salah out. Nearly scored a world-class second, taking an incredible touch on the move and holding off Gudmundsson but fired wide. Now has 50 European goals for Liverpool, making him the first player to reach a half-century for the club.
Darwin Nunez (6.5)
In the side after his heroics at Brentford. Had just seven touches in the first half hour but grew into the game and always posed a threat. Can’t fault his work rate but he only had one attempt on goal, which was saved.
Luis Diaz (7)
Like Nunez, was relentless. Unlucky not to get an assist with some of the deliveries he played to Salah, including one from deep inside the Liverpool half. Always tried to make things happen.
Substitutes
Harvey Elliott (7.5)
Came on at half-time and got the crucial winning goal, albeit with a slice of luck. Made an instant impact and his 'all talk' celebration was a way of putting to bed the reports linking him with a move away from the club.
Alexis Mac Allister (7)
Also came on at the break and was brilliant, regularly winning the ball back. Could have scored too but headed just over from Tsimikas’ delivery, after a brilliant leap in front of The Kop.
Wataru Endo (6.5)
Mr Reliable. Came on in midfield straight after David equalised and helped Liverpool see the game out against 10-men Lille after Elliott’s goal.
Federico Chiesa (6)
On for Luis Diaz in the 75th minute and forced a good save from Lucas Chevalier.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6)
Came on for Bradley in the 86th minute as Slot used all five of his changes.
Manager
Arne Slot (9)
The Dutchman can do no wrong. Made a number of changes but his side still got the job done. Seven out of seven in Europe and his side are leading the way domestically. Can take the kids to Eindhoven next week.